Basement flooding mystery in NW Colorado Springs

As many as three water sources may be to blame for the latest round of basement flooding during this wet spring, homeowners said Saturday.

Six basements began flooding Monday on Moccasin Pass Court in northwest Colorado Springs. Sump pumps that were never or rarely used now run almost constantly to get rid of the excess water.

While affected homeowners believe a high groundwater table is partly responsible, they also look to the concrete-lined North Douglas Creek directly behind them, wondering if the channel is leaking because of damage from high levels of sediment.

Workers have been gradually removing sediment from the channel, but some neighbors believe the level remains high enough to block many drainage outlets that normally would handle excess water and keep it from seeping into basements.

Another theory comes from Ernie Velez, who moved into the neighborhood 20 years ago. He thinks an underground stream flows through the neighborhood.

“It was confirmed to me by a city worker just a couple of days ago, that it was down here,” he said. “Now, it could be 100 feet. Who knows?”

Velez said all three factors likely are causing the basement flooding but the underground stream seems to be a significant contributor.

“It’s strange that the flooding only affects homes on the west side of the street, which is higher, and not the east side of the street, which is lower.”

Velez also pointed to a marshy area just north of the neighborhood as proof that some kind of underground stream or river exists.

“First it’s dry and then water just starts bubbling up from nowhere,” he said. “And it’s clear water, just like the water in the basements. If the flooding came just from the creek, it would be dirty water.”

Colorado Springs Utilities said traditionally, municipalities and utilities are not responsible for repairing or reimbursing homeowners for damages from this kind of flooding. However, CSU said it will investigate further next week.