Board for community near Woodland Park without president despite water shortages

WOODLAND PARK, Colo.-- A volunteer board for Tranquil Acres Water Supply near Woodland Park is without a president and vice-president amid water shortages in the community.

Some residents at Tranquil Acres near Woodland Park say they have been experiencing consistent water shortages for almost a month.

A leak in one of the houses or underground pipes is likely the culprit, forcing the community to sometimes shut off its 100,000-gallon supply tank to save water.

"With water it's a great place to live pretty much but without water I don't think any place is a great place to live," said Steve Denton, a 20-year resident at Tranquil Acres.

Denton was also a former board president and says part of the problem is there are less residents who are willing to volunteer their time and try to improve the current water system. But water issues have begun since the community's inception.

"This subdivision was developed in 1950 and was for summertime only," Denton said. "And they had many lines that had just never been put down deep enough for wintertime use."

Federal and state grants since 2010 have greatly improved the community's water supply, but there is still work to be done. Residents say more wells will need to be dug and filtered to balance out the community's water usage. At least 80 households are part of the community's nonprofit water district, according to Denton.

While some residents are able to rely on backup cisterns for short showers, dishwashing and flushing toilets, others are not as prepared.

The Community Cupboard Food Pantry in Woodland Park started helping to alleviate some of the residents' water woes.

Lisa Rawson, the executive director for the local pantry, says seven people showed up within the first hour of Friday to get drinkable water and fill up their containers. The pantry does not usually provide such a basic necessity, but said everyone in need is welcome to partake of their services.

"It take a village to raise community awareness and help one another," Rawson said. "That’s what 2020 is about."

Until the leak is found and fixed, affected residents will likely have to seek help from neighbors or the pantry.

The Community Cupboard Food Pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.