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Although the Bureau of Reclamation has official responsibility for considering public comments submitted in response to its Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the Southern Delivery System (SDS), Colorado Springs Utilities is studying the comments as well for potential ways to improve the project. read more...

 


Our Future Depends on It

The Southern Delivery System (SDS) is a regional water delivery system that provides a cost effective, environmentally responsible and dependable way to deliver water we need for our future.

Hundreds of possible project options from Leadville to Lamar were studied. After extensive study and public input, a pipeline from Pueblo Dam emerged as the best solution. Here’s why:

It uses water rights Colorado Springs already owns on the Arkansas River.
Because Pueblo Reservoir is the most direct way for Colorado Springs to access Arkansas River water, it’s the most economical and efficient option.
Through property taxes, El Paso County residents have invested more than $65 million in Fryingpan-Arkansas Project water facilities, including Pueblo Reservoir. A pipeline from Pueblo Dam maximizes our investment.

Security, Fountain and Pueblo West will also use the Southern Delivery System to transport their water. Pueblo West’s ability to benefit from SDS depends on approval of a pipeline that draws water directly from Pueblo Reservoir through a pipeline beginning at Pueblo Dam. The project also includes facilities to store and treat the water for drinking, use in our homes and businesses and to maintain the lifestyle we enjoy.

We need the Southern Delivery System. Without it, we can’t maintain our quality of life and healthy economy. Our future depends on it.


"I want to build on the legacy of the visionaries before us, so that our children and grandchildren have the same quality of life we enjoy today. To accomplish that, we must secure water for our future. A Southern Delivery System will provide clean, reliable water for generations to come."
                    — Mayor Lionel Rivera
                        City of Colorado Springs