Colorado Springs City Council approves first reading of ordinance on extension of water service
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A proposed ordinance announced in October 2022 passed its first reading by Colorado Springs City Council Tuesday.
The proposed ordinance would require the water supply from Colorado Springs Utilities to meet 130% of existing usage and the projected demand of a proposed extension area - based on a three-year rolling average - before extending water to new areas.
In Dec. 2022, some city council members considered the 130% to be an arbitrary figure, and some sentiments on the board looked at a figure of 125%.
According to Colorado Springs Utilities, 130% was recommended because it would ensure the utility company's "water systems (perform) consistently year-in and year-out to serve demands now, and in the future."
If approved, the ordinance would change the way future annexations work in the City of Colorado Springs. That includes the proposed 3,200-acre Amara annexation.
According to the ordinance, it's needed to limit the extension of water services due to "persistent drought in the western United States and Colorado River" having "placed a risk of future constraints on the City's water supply."
On Twitter, Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers said he supports the ordinance, saying it's "in the best interest of the people of the City of Colorado Springs at this point in time." In several Tweets, Suthers brought up concerns surrounding drought and said officials need to "ensure that future growth of the city does not threaten the adequacy" of the water supply.
The Ordinance Pertaining to the Extension of Water Service originally required it to pass with a super majority, however, after Tuesday the ordinance can pass with a traditional majority.
