Estes Park says $130 million water plan could lead to rate increases
The 20-year strategy would fund a new treatment plant, intake and pump station, plus water-main and storage upgrades. Public hearings on rate increases are set for Oct. 27 and Nov. 10, with an open house and tours ahead of them.
Estes Park’s proposed water improvements could require about $130 million in customer-funded investment over 20 years, with water rates expected to rise, the town said in a Sept. 16 news release. Public hearings on proposed rate increases are scheduled for Oct. 27 and Nov. 10 at Town Board meetings.
The town’s recently approved Water Master Plan calls for constructing a single modern treatment plant with access to independent watersheds. Glacier Creek would be decommissioned after the new plant becomes operational, while Marys Lake would receive targeted improvements during the transition. The plan also includes replacing aging water mains, upgrading storage tanks and pump stations, and adding pipeline loops to improve reliability and water quality.
“Raising rates over time, starting now,” would spread out the financial impact, help the town build an estimated $9 million to $11 million for direct project funding and reduce borrowing costs, the town said. The town has not increased water rates since 2022. A rate study is underway, and rates are expected to rise over several years, according to the town’s rate information.
Estes Park operates the Marys Lake and Glacier Creek treatment plants. Neither can reliably serve as the sole year-round source, the town said. Glacier Creek must shut down during spring runoff when turbidity and organic matter increase, while Marys Lake depends on water delivered through the Alva B. Adams Tunnel, which closes for maintenance several weeks each year. More than 35% of the town’s water mains are outdated cast iron or galvanized steel, according to the release.
The estimated cost includes $70 million to $90 million for the new treatment plant and $15 million to $20 million for a raw-water intake and pump station, in addition to other system improvements. The Water Master Plan is a 20-year strategy serving nearly 6,000 metered customers and bulk customers including the YMCA of the Rockies and outlying areas. The town also plans an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Water Shop, 1360 Brook Drive, and water-treatment-plant tours from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 24.