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How much will SDS cost?
We’re seriously considering two alternatives for SDS –
our Proposed Action from Pueblo Dam and the Highway 115 Alternative
through Fremont County. Our Proposed action would cost about $1.1
billion to build, the Highway 115 Alternative about $1.2 billion.
They are the two least expensive alternatives among the seven considered
in the Environmental Impact Statement prepared by the Bureau of
Reclamation.
Our Proposed Action is based on more than 10 years of planning
and review. It uses water we own and is the most economical, most
reliable and an environmentally responsible option for meeting our
future water needs. We studied hundreds of possible combinations
before choosing the one we’re proposing.
Are there better and less expensive alternatives?
The two alternatives under consideration are the two most economical
alternatives of the seven considered in the Environmental Impact
Statement prepared by the Bureau of Reclamation. Both of these alternatives
are cost-effective, reliable and environmentally responsible.
How will the project be paid for?
Water users in Colorado Springs, Security and Fountain who benefit
from SDS will pay for it. Water users in Pueblo West will also help
pay for the project if SDS connects to Pueblo Dam and serves that
community.
What percentage of the project will be paid
by residential, development fees, business customers?
The project cost will be included in future cost of service studies
to ensure that all users are treated as fairly as possible and no
single group or groups are called on to bear an unreasonable portion
of the cost. We estimate the cost distribution to be similar to
what it is today. Residential customers in Colorado Springs currently
pay 35 percent; nonresidential 39 percent; development fees (tap
charges) 26 percent of total water costs. There have been increases
to development fees since 2003 associated with future water needs.
How will SDS affect residential water bills?
The average single-family residence currently pays $36.29 per month
for water, based on an average use of 8,500 gallons per month per
household. According to the Environmental Impact Statement, an average
household would pay $57.78 per month in 2015 and $77.71 per month
in 2025. Only part of the higher amount is due to SDS. Projected
increases to operations and maintenance costs of our existing infrastructure
are also factored into the forecasted amounts.
How will SDS impact nonresidential/business
water rates?
Commercial and industrial customers would see similar percentage
increases to their bills.
Will development fees increase?
Similar to residential rates, development fees, or tap fees as
they are referred to in the draft EIS, will increase with or without
SDS. To help pay for future water projects, development charges
have already increased from $4,695 in 2003 to $9,292 in 2009. For
the proposed alternative the estimated fees in 2015 and 2025 would
be $11,044 and $17,697 respectively.
How do Colorado Springs water rates compare
to other Front Range cities?
Colorado Springs’ water rates fall in the middle, lower than
some cities whose water source is located far away and higher than
cities with simpler water delivery systems.
| Aurora |
$52.87 |
| Lakewood |
$39.91 |
| Castle Rock |
$37.18 |
| Colorado Springs |
$36.29 |
| Fort Collins |
$29.90 |
| Pueblo |
$21.74 |
| Denver |
$20.65 |
Rates in effect February 2009
Colorado Springs must build and maintain an extensive system of
reservoirs, pump stations and pipes to deliver water from nearly
200 miles away to our community. Cities on the low end of the above
comparison, such as Pueblo and Denver, are generally closer to a
major water supply with a river running through their city.
Colorado Springs tap water is a tremendous value for our customers.
Our great-tasting tap water costs a tiny fraction of what bottled
water costs. Colorado Springs’ residents pay less than half
a penny per gallon of water. We expect that with SDS and higher
costs to operate our existing system, customers will still pay less
than a penny per gallon of water in 2025.
Water is just one of four utility services included on our customers’
bill. Our overall utility rates are lower than most cities in the
country.
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