The Water System:
The District’s water system service area boundaries are generally the same as with the District’s boundaries. In 1975 the Pagosa Water and Sanitation District entered into an agreement with Eaton International Corporation, predecessor in interest to Fairfield Pagosa, Inc., the former primary developer of the Pagosa Lakes community, whereby Eaton agreed to convey to the District water rights sufficient to adequately supply the needs of the development as it progresses in return for the District supplying water services to the residents of the development. In 1992, Fairfield Resort Communities, an affiliate of Fairfield Pagosa, Inc., conveyed water rights it owned to the District. With the inclusion of the Town of Pagosa Springs, the District received an additional five cubic feet per second (“cfs”) of water from the San Juan River.

Water Storage, Treatment and Distribution Facilities:
The District presently owns and operates three domestic water treatment plants which treat the District’s raw water supply prior to distribution. The total possible treated water capacity is 6.5 million gallons per day (“MGD”) from all sources. However, we must keep in mind that some sources are not always available and system redundancy is a necessity. A proper balance of reservoir versus river sources makes us a more drought resistant community. This water is distributed through a network of approximately 300 miles of water mains, booster pumps and over 1200 fire hydrants. 12 storage tanks provide storage of treated water with a combined capacity of 5.28 million gallons.

• Hatcher WTP (2 MGD)
• San Juan WTP (3 MGD)
• Snowball WTP (1.5 MGD)

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Wastewater Collection System:
The existing wastewater collection system consists of nearly 100 miles of mains and 24 lift stations. Infiltration within the system occurs only during those times of high rainfall or a fast snowmelt. The District has an ongoing infiltration/inflow correction program as part of its wastewater maintenance effort. The wastewater collection system is not interconnected with any storm drainage system.

Wastewater Treatment:
The District operates the Vista Wastewater Treatment Plant, as well as the Highlands Lagoon Treatment Plant, which services primarily the northern portion of the District. Both treatment plants are currently in compliance with all discharge standards required by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. An upgrade/expansion to the Highlands Lagoon treatment plant is being studied at this time.