HomeMy Public PortalAbout5a 2017 Source Water Protection PlanFraser River Source Water Protection Partnership
Source Water Protection Plan
Grand County, Colorado
June 28, 2017
Written by: Ryan Lokteff
Fraser River Source Water Protection Partnership
Fraser River Source Water Protection Partnership Source Water Protection Plan
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Contents
WATER SYSTEM CONTACT LIST ..................................................................................................................... 6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. 8
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Purpose of the Source Water Protection Plan ....................................................................................... 13
Background of Colorado’s SWAP Program ............................................................................................. 13
Source Water Assessment Phase ....................................................................................................... 14
Source Water Protection Phase ......................................................................................................... 14
SOURCE WATER SETTING ............................................................................................................................ 16
Location and Description ........................................................................................................................ 16
Hydrologic Setting .................................................................................................................................. 18
DRINKING WATER SUPPLY OPERATIONS .................................................................................................... 19
Water Supply and Infrastructure ............................................................................................................ 19
Moraine Park Water and Sanitation .................................................................................................. 19
Granby North Service Area ................................................................................................................. 20
Granby South Service Area ................................................................................................................. 22
Town of Fraser .................................................................................................................................... 24
Winter Park Ranch Water and Sanitation District .............................................................................. 27
Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1 ................................................................................ 29
Winter Park Water and Sanitation District......................................................................................... 31
Denver Water ..................................................................................................................................... 33
WATER SOURCE REPLACEMENT COST ESTIMATES ..................................................................................... 36
SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PLAN DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................. 37
Stakeholder Participation in the Planning Process ................................................................................. 40
Development and Implementation Grant .............................................................................................. 41
Defining the Source Water Protection Area ........................................................................................... 42
Moraine Park Water and Sanitation .................................................................................................. 42
Granby North Service Area ................................................................................................................. 44
Granby South Service Area ................................................................................................................. 46
Town of Fraser .................................................................................................................................... 48
Winter Park Ranch Water and Sanitation District .............................................................................. 50
Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1 ................................................................................ 52
Winter Park Water and Sanitation District .................................................................................. 54
Denver Water ..................................................................................................................................... 56
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Inventory of Potential Contaminant Sources and Other Issues of Concern ........................................... 58
Priority Strategy of Potential Contaminant Sources and Other Issues of Concern ................................ 58
FRSWPP GROUP ISSUES OF CONCERN ........................................................................................................ 61
SOURCE WATER BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ..................................................................................... 63
EVALUATING EFFECTIVENESS OF SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PLAN ...................................................... 83
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................ 84
APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................................ 85
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List of Figures
Figure 1: Schematic drawing of the potential source of contamination to surface and groundwater ...... 11
Figure 2: Area map of the FRSWPP protection areas as a group ................................................................ 12
Figure 3: Source Water Assessment and Protection Phases ...................................................................... 14
Figure 4: Annual precipitation across the Fraser River watershed (PRISM Climate Group) ....................... 17
Figure 5: Map of the Town of Granby NSA distribution system ................................................................. 21
Figure 6: Diagram of the Granby South Service Area water treatment and distribution system .............. 23
Figure 7: Diagram of the Town of Fraser water treatment and distribution system ................................. 26
Figure 8: Diagram of the Winter Park Ranch water treatment and distribution system ........................... 28
Figure 9: Diagram of the Grand County #1 water treatment and distribution system .............................. 30
Figure 10: Diagram of the Winter Park WS water treatment and distribution system .............................. 32
Figure 11: Map of the Denver Water intake system in the Fraser River watershed .................................. 35
Figure 12: Moraine Park WS SWPA Delineations ....................................................................................... 43
Figure 13: Granby North Service Area SWPA Delineations ........................................................................ 45
Figure 14: Granby South Service Area SWPA Delineations......................................................................... 47
Figure 15: Town of Fraser SWPA Delineations ........................................................................................... 49
Figure 16: Winter Park Ranch WSD SWPA Delineations ............................................................................. 51
Figure 17: Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1 SWPA Delineations ........................................ 53
Figure 18: Winter Park Water and Sanitation District SWPA Delineations ................................................ 55
Figure 19: Denver Water SWPA Delineations ............................................................................................. 57
Figure 20: CRWA’s SWAP Risk Assessment Matrix ..................................................................................... 60
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List of Tables
Table 1: Example of Potential Sources of Contamination and Best Management Practices ....................... 9
Table 2: Moraine Park Groundwater Supply Information .......................................................................... 20
Table 3: Town of Granby North Service Area Surface Water Supply Information ..................................... 22
Table 4: Granby South Service Area Groundwater Supply Information ..................................................... 24
Table 5: Town of Fraser Groundwater Supply Information ........................................................................ 26
Table 6: Winter Park Ranch Water and Sanitation Groundwater Supply Information............................... 29
Table 7: Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1 Surface Water Supply Information ................... 31
Table 8: Winter Park Surface Water Supply Information ........................................................................... 33
Table 9: Denver Water Surface Water Supply Information ........................................................................ 35
Table 10: Water Source Replacement Cost Estimates ................................................................................ 38
Table 11: Planning Meetings ....................................................................................................................... 39
Table 12: Steering Committee Members .................................................................................................... 43
Table 13: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for all 8 water
systems of the FRSWPP as a group ............................................................................................................. 66
Table 14: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Moraine Park .. 69
Table 15: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Granby North
Service Area ................................................................................................................................................ 71
Table 16: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Granby South
Service Area ................................................................................................................................................ 73
Table 17: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Town of Fraser 75
Table 18: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Winter Park
Ranch Water and Sanitation ....................................................................................................................... 77
Table 19: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Grand County
Water and Sanitation District #1 ................................................................................................................. 79
Table 20: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Winter Park
Water and Sanitation .................................................................................................................................. 81
Table 21: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Denver Water . 83
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WATER SYSTEM CONTACT LIST
In the case of an emergency that might affect the Fraser River Source Water Protection Partnership
public water suppliers, please notify each of the contacts in the table below:
PWSID PWS Name Name Title Phone
CO0125518 Moraine Park
WSD
Kial
Magnuson
Chief Operator 970-531-7923
CO0125321 Granby North
Service Area
Kial
Magnuson
Chief Operator 970-531-7923
CO0125710 Granby South
Service Area
Douglas
Bellatty
Water
Superintendent
970-887-2501
CO0125288 Town of Fraser Adam
Cwiklin
Allen Nordin
Water and
Wastewater
Superintendent
Public Works
Director
970-726-5491
970-726-5491
CO0125844 Winter Park
Ranch WSD
Jim Fox District Manager 970-726-8691
CO0125323 Grand County
WSD #1
Bruce
Hutchins
District Manager
970-725-5583
CO0125843 Winter Park
Water &
Sanitation
Mike
Wageck
District Manager 970-726-5041
CO0116001 Denver Water Tim Holinka West Slope District
Manager
970-509-0382
Cover Photo Credits:
Fraser River downstream of the bridge at county road 83 – Ryan Lokteff.
This Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP) is a planning document and there is no legal requirement to implement
the recommendations herein. Actions on public lands will be subject to federal, state, and county policies and
procedures. Action on private land may require compliance with county land use codes, building codes, local
covenants, and permission from the landowner. This Source Water Protection plan for the Fraser River Source
Water Protection Partnership was developed using version 16.01.04 of the Colorado Rural Water Association’s
Source Water Protection Plan Template
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COMMON ACRONYMS
BMP Best Management Practice
CDOT Colorado Department of Transportation
CDPHE Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
CFS Cubic Feet per Second
CRWA Colorado Rural Water Association
FRSWPP Fraser River Source Water Protection Partnership
GIS Geographic Information System
GPD Gallons per Day
GPM Gallons per Minute
MGD Million Gallons per Day
PSOC Potential Source of Contamination
SWAA Source Water Assessment Area
SWAP Source Water Assessment and Protection
SWPA Source Water Protection Area
SWPP Source Water Protection Plan
TOT Time of Travel
WTP Water Treatment Plant
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
There is a growing effort in Colorado to protect community drinking water sources from potential
contamination. Many communities are taking a proactive approach to preventing the pollution of their
drinking water sources by developing a source water protection plan (SWPP). A SWPP identifies a Source
Water Protection Area (SWPA), lists potential contaminant sources, and outlines best management
practices (BMPs) to reduce risks to the water source. Implementation of a SWPP provides an additional
layer of protection at the local level beyond drinking water regulations.
The Fraser River Source Water Protection Partnership (FRSWPP) was recently established to provide a
framework for public water systems in the Fraser River Valley to collaborate on the protection of their
drinking water sources from all potential sources of contamination. The FRSWPP is currently made up of
eight public water systems: Moraine Park, Granby North Service Area, Granby South Service Area, the
Town of Fraser, Winter Park Ranch Water and Sanitation, Grand County Water and Sanitation District
#1, Winter Park Water and Sanitation District, and Denver Water. The FRSWPP values a clean, high
quality drinking water supply and decided to work collaboratively with area stakeholders to develop a
SWPP. The source water protection planning effort consisted of public planning meetings with
stakeholders including local citizens and landowners, private businesses, water operators, local and
state governments, and agency representatives during the months of August, 2015 to August, 2016, at
Winter Park, Colorado. Colorado Rural Water Association (CRWA) was instrumental in this effort by
providing guidance and technical assistance in the development of this SWPP.
The FRSWPP obtains its drinking water from 23 groundwater wells and/or 4 surface water intakes on the
Fraser River, Vasquez Creek, and Little Vasquez Creek. Denver Water has a number of other surface
water diversions on tributary creeks throughout the upper Fraser River and Williams Fork watersheds.
This SWPA is the area that the FRSWPP has chosen to focus its source water protection measures to
reduce source water susceptibility to contamination. The water suppliers of the FRSWPP conducted an
inventory of potential contaminant sources and identified other issues of concern within the SWPA for
the FRSWPP as a whole and for each individual water system.
The FRSWPP developed several BMPs to reduce the risks from potential contaminant sources and other
issues of concern. The BMPs are centered on communication between water systems and emergency
management; themes of building partnerships with community members, businesses, and local decision
makers; raising awareness of the value of protecting community drinking water supplies; and
empowering local communities to become stewards of their drinking water supplies by taking actions to
protect their water sources.
The following list highlights the highest priority potential contaminant sources and/or issues of concern
and their associated BMPs for the FRSWPP as a group. Individual water system-level potential
contaminant sources and/or issues of concern and their associated BMPs are listed later.
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Table 1: Example of Potential Sources of Contamination and Best Management Practices
Potential Sources of
Contamination (PSOCs) and/or
Issues of Concern
Priority Best Management Practices
Lack of Emergency Communication
Protocol (covers roads, spills, and
railroad – transportation)
Very High
• Create a phone tree for emergency notification. Then make sure that the head(s) of the
FRSWPP phone tree is in the CodeRED notification system for redundancy
• As a group, contact information is updated annually. Throughout the year, each entity is
responsible for updating contact information.
• At the annual update of the phone tree, review the distribution of the phone tree.
• As a group, lobby the Union Pacific Railroad to take measures to protect our SWPAs by
identifying our Emergency Communication Protocol in their Hazardous Materials Emergency
Response Plan.
Education and Outreach PSOCs (fire,
septic systems, pharmaceuticals,
dispersed camping, dog waste, spill
reporting, reporting issues with the
railroad, etc.)
High
• Partner with the US Forest Service, Grand County, Denver Water, and other entities on
Education and Outreach campaign for the area.
• Potentially utilize Denver Water’s Public Affairs department and/or contract with a
professional to develop several pieces of education and outreach tools to educate the public
on source water protection for the FRSWPP. This could include a poster, card to insert in
water bill, brochure, water bottles, websit e, posters at ski resorts, etc.
• Order 56 signs through CDPHE and put up signage and detailed information at kiosks in
strategic locations (7 signs for each of the 8 water systems).
• Integrate a source water protection booth at one or more of the local festivals, farmers
market, water festivals at local schools, etc.
Forest Land (Wildfire)
High
• Potentially utilize existing template when it becomes available to create wildfire
prioritization of critical infrastructure in the area.
• Emergency Communication between the FRSWPP and emergency responders.
• Participate in the Local Emergency Planning Committee and other local planning efforts for
Wildfire response and post fire mitigation.
• Share FRSWPP contact list and maps/shapefiles of the SWPAs, wells, and intakes with the
Grand County Office of Emergency Management and commit to update it annually.
• Encourage respective town governments to adopt the SWPP into their local Emergency Plan
to help secure funding for the water system if/when an emergency event occurs.
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The FRSWPP recognizes that the usefulness of this SWPP lies in its implementation and will begin to
execute these BMPs upon completion of this Plan.
This SWPP is a living document that is meant to be updated to address any changes that will inevitably
come. The FRSWPP will review this Plan at a frequency of once every year or if circumstances change
resulting in the development of new water sources and SWPAs, or if new risks are identified.
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INTRODUCTION
Source water protection is a proactive approach to preventing the pollution of lakes, rivers, streams, and
groundwater that serve as sources of drinking water. For generations water quality was taken for
granted, and still today many people assume that their water is naturally protected. However, as water
moves through and over the ground, contaminants may be picked up and carried to a drinking water
supply.
While a single catastrophic event may wipe out a drinking water source, the cumulative impact of minor
contaminant releases over time can also result in the degradation of a drinking water source.
Contamination can occur via discrete (point source) and dispersed (nonpoint source) sources. A discrete
source contaminant originates from a single point, while a dispersed source contaminant originates
from diffuse sources over a broader area. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency,
nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water quality degradation (GWPC, 2008).
Figure 1: Schematic drawing of the potential source of contamination to surface and groundwater
The FRSWPP recognizes the potential for contamination of their drinking water sources, and realizes
that the development of this SWPP is the first step in protecting this valuable resource. Proactive
planning is essential to protect the long-term integrity of the drinking water supply and to limit costs
and liabilities. This SWPP demonstrates the FRSWPP’s commitment to reducing risks to their drinking
water supply.
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Figure not Included in Public Version of Document
Figure 2: Area map of the FRSWPP protection areas as a group
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Purpose of the Source Water Protection Plan
The SWPP is a tool for the FRSWPP to ensure clean and high quality drinking water sources for current
and future generations. This SWPP is designed to:
• Create an awareness of the community’s drinking water sources and the potential risks to
surface water and/or groundwater quality within the watershed;
• Encourage education and voluntary solutions to alleviate pollution risks;
• Promote management practices to protect and enhance the drinking water supply;
• Provide for a comprehensive action plan in case of an emergency that threatens or disrupts the
community water supply.
Developing and implementing source water protection measures at the local level (i.e. county and
municipal) will complement existing regulatory protection measures implemented at the state and
federal governmental levels by filling protection gaps that can only be addressed at the local level. One
other SWPP in the area has already been developed by Tabernash Meadows Water in Tabernash,
Colorado. The YMCA of the Rockies has also recently completed a SWPP.
Background of Colorado’s SWAP Program
Source water assessment and protection (SWAP) came into existence in 1996 as a result of
Congressional reauthorization and amendment of the Safe Drinking Water Act. These amendments
required each state to develop a SWAP program. The Water Quality Control Division, an agency of the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), assumed the responsibility of
developing Colorado’s SWAP program and integrated it with the Colorado Wellhead Protection
Program.
Colorado’s SWAP program is an iterative, two-phased process designed to assist public water systems in
preventing potential contamination of their untreated drinking water supplies. The two phases include
the Assessment Phase and the Protection Phase as depicted in the upper and lower portions of Figure 3,
respectively.
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Figure 3: Source Water Assessment and Protection Phases
Source Water Assessment Phase
The Assessment Phase for all public water systems in Colorado was completed in 2004 and consisted of
four primary elements:
1. Delineating the source water assessment area (SWAA) for each of the drinking water sources;
2. Conducting a contaminant source inventory to identify potential sources of contamination
within each of the SWAAs;
3. Conducting a susceptibility analysis to determine the potential susceptibility of each public
drinking water source to the different sources of contamination;
4. Reporting the results of the source water assessment to the public water systems and the
general public.
A Source Water Assessment Report (Appendix B) was provided to each public water system in Colorado
in 2004 that outlines the results of this Assessment Phase.
Source Water Protection Phase
The Protection Phase is a non-regulatory, ongoing process in which all public water systems have been
encouraged to voluntarily employ preventative measures to protect their water supply from the
potential sources of contamination to which it may be most susceptible. The Protection Phase can be
used to take action to avoid unnecessary treatment or replacement costs associated with potential
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contamination of the untreated water supply. Source water protection begins when local decision
makers use the source water assessment results and other pertinent information as a starting point to
develop a protection plan. As depicted in the lower portion of Figure 3, the source water protection
phase for all public water systems consists of four primary elements:
1. Involving local stakeholders in the planning process;
2. Developing a comprehensive protection plan for all of their drinking water sources;
3. Implementing the protection plan on a continuous basis to reduce the risk of potential
contamination of the drinking water sources; and
4. Monitoring the effectiveness of the protection plan and updating it accordingly as future
assessment results indicate.
The FRSWPP and the community recognize that the Safe Drinking Water Act grants no statutory
authority to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment or to any other state or federal
agency to force the adoption or implementation of source water protection measures. This authority
rests solely with local communities and local governments.
The source water protection phase is an ongoing process as indicated in Figure 3. The goal of the SWAP
program is to incorporate any new assessment information provided by the public water supply systems
and update the protection plan accordingly.
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SOURCE WATER SETTING
Location and Description
The Fraser River (watershed area = 786 sq km) is a 4th order tributary to the Colorado River. The
headwaters of the Fraser River begins at the Continental Divide near the Town of Winter Park, Colorado.
The river and many of its tributaries then flow through a wider valley near the Town of Fraser.
Downstream of Tabernash, the river flows through a more constricted canyon reach before arriving in
the town of Granby. The Fraser River ends at its confluence with the Colorado River downstream of the
Town of Granby.
Topography of the Fraser River watershed consists of high mountains above tree line (approx. 11,500 ft.)
down to mountain valleys (approx. 7,900 ft.). The underlying geology consists of gneiss and sedimentary
classes. Surface material is made up of gravels and alluvium, granitic rock, and glacial drift. The
Troublesome Formation, which is a groundwater source for some water suppliers, is comprised of
siltstone with some imbedded sandstones and conglomerates. Land cover types consist primarily of
evergreen forests, sagebrush, grasslands, and high alpine tundra.
Land ownership in the Fraser River watershed includes the US Forest Service (Arapaho & Roosevelt
National Forest), the Bureau of Land Management, municipalities, and private land owners. Land use
activities include forestry, agriculture, two alpine ski resorts (Winter Park Resort and Granby Ranch), two
golf courses (Pole Creek and Granby Ranch), three Nordic ski resorts (Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Snow
Mountain Ranch, and Granby Ranch), urban and rural residential development, and light industry
including Union Pacific Railroad operations and gravel pits.
The climate of the Fraser River watershed is semi-arid. Precipitation is dominated by snow which falls
from October to May. Average annual snowfall ranges from approximately 300 inches in Winter Park to
80 inches in Granby.
Population in Grand County varies seasonally. Tourism increases dramatically in winter and summer
months. The year-round population of Grand County is approximately 14,500 and is expected to grow in
the coming years. The economy is centered on tourism and natural resources (US Forest Service, Rocky
Mountain National Park, Grand County, etc.).
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Figure 4: Annual precipitation across the Fraser River watershed (PRISM Climate Group)
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Hydrologic Setting
The annual hydrograph of the Fraser River watershed consists of peak flows dominated by snow melt
runoff. The Fraser River quickly changes from a headwater stream to a 3rd order stream before it
reaches the town of Winter Park. The headwaters of the Fraser River joins many of its tributary streams
including Vasquez Creek, St. Louis Creek, and Ranch Creek within the Fraser Valley. Before the Fraser
River joins with the Colorado River downstream of the Town of Granby, it is no bigger than a 4th order
system. Base flows of the Fraser River in Granby may reach as low as 10 to 20 cubic feet per second
(cfs).
Numerous diversions move water from the Fraser River and its tributaries for agriculture and drinking
water in Grand County. Through its Moffat Collection System, Denver Water diverts – on average –
approximately 64,000 acre feet per year from the Fraser and Williams Fork river basins to the Front
Range. Reduced flows place additional stressors on the resource, making it particularly important to
protect available water.
The groundwater in the Fraser Valley comes primarily from the Troublesome aquifer. Water movement
within the aquifer follows the flow of the Fraser River, flowing from south to north.
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DRINKING WATER SUPPLY OPERATIONS
Water Supply and Infrastructure
Moraine Park Water and Sanitation
Physical Characteristics
Moraine Park Water and Sanitation (Moraine Park) is located on the Granby Mesa in the Town of
Granby. Moraine Park obtains its drinking water from two wells drilled into an unnamed aquifer.
Groundwater flow moves from northeast to southwest through fractured granite. Recharge is assumed
to be comprised of precipitation, irrigation flows, and ditch seepage. Historically, water yields from
these wells range from 15 to 30 gallons per minute (Table 1).
Table 2: Moraine Park Groundwater Supply Information
Water System Facility
Name
Total
Depth of
Well (ft)
Depth of
Plain Casing
(ft)
Depth of
Perforation
(ft)
Yield
(gpm)
Year
Drilled
Moraine Park Well #2 300 47 300 90 1983
Moraine Park Well #3 350 180 350 ? 1971
Drinking Water Supply Operations
Water Supply and Infrastructure
The Moraine Park source water supply comes from two wells located in the Town of Granby. The two
wells bring water to a single treatment building.
Water Treatment: The water is treated with sodium hypochlorite injected at the well house pipe string.
The system’s combined treatment capacity is 165,000 gallons per day.
Water Distribution:
From the wells, the treated water is held in a storage tank before entering the distribution system. The
maximum storage capacity is 1,350 gallons.
Water Supply Demand Analysis
Moraine Park serves an estimated 39 connections and approximately 100 residents and other users in
the service area annually. The water system has the current capacity to produce 43,000 gallons per day.
Current estimates indicate that the average daily demand is approximately 9,000 gallons per day, and
that the average peak daily demand is approximately 20,000 gallons per day. Using these estimates, the
water system has a surplus average daily demand capacity of 23,000 gallons per day and a surplus
average peak daily demand capacity of 34,000 gallons per day.
Based on the estimates above, Moraine Park has determined that if its two water sources become
disabled for an extended period of time due to contamination, Moraine Park may not be able to meet
the average daily demand or average peak daily demand of its customers. The ability of Moraine Park to
meet either of these demands for an extended period of time is also affected by the amount of treated
water the water system has in storage at the time a water sources becomes disabled.
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Granby North Service Area
Physical Characteristics
The Town of Granby North Service Area (NSA) is located on the north side of the Fraser River in the
Town of Granby. The Town of Granby NSA obtains its drinking water from one intake on the Fraser
River. (Table 2). The Fraser River at the Town of Granby drains approximately 254 square miles and is in
Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) number 1401000102.
Table 3: Town of Granby NSA Surface Water Supply Information
Water System Facility Name Surface Water Source Construction
Date
Town of Granby NSA Intake Fraser River 1983
Drinking Water Supply Operations
Water Supply and Infrastructure
The Town of Granby NSA water is conveyed to a nearby settling pond and then to the water treatment
plant by gravity.
Water Treatment: The Town of Granby NSA Water Treatment Plant was built in 1985. Plant upgrades
are continuous as aging equipment and operating systems become obsolete. By definition, it is a
“Conventional Water Treatment Plant”, utilizing coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration.
Treatment chemicals required for the process are aluminum sulfate and a cationic polymer. Disinfection
is achieved with gas chlorine. The Town of Granby NSA elects to fluoridate its water with the addition of
sodium fluoride.
Water Distribution: The Town of Granby NSA potable water distribution system is comprised of 14
miles of main pipelines, 2 storage tanks (1 MG total capacity), 1 pressure zone, and 800 service taps. The
service area is comprised of everything in the Town of Granby north of the Fraser River (Figure 5).
Water Supply Demand Analysis
The Town of Granby NSA serves an estimated 800 connections and approximately 1,725 residents and
other users in the service area annually. The water system has the current capacity to produce
1,000,000 gallons per day. Current estimates indicate that the average daily demand is approximately
140,000 gallons per day, and that the average peak daily demand is approximately 230,000 gallons per
day. Using these estimates, the water system has a surplus average daily demand capacity of 860,000
gallons per day and a surplus average peak daily demand capacity of 770,000 gallons per day.
Based on the estimates above, the Town of Granby NSA has determined that if its water source
becomes disabled for an extended period of time due to contamination, the Town of Granby NSA may
not be able to meet the average daily demand or average peak daily demand of its customers. The
ability of the Town of Granby NSA to meet either of these demands for an extended period of time is
also affected by the amount of treated water the water system has in storage at the time a water source
becomes disabled.
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Figure 5: Map of the Town of Granby NSA distribution system
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Granby South Service Area
Physical Characteristics
The Granby South Service Area (SSA) is located on the south side of the Fraser River in the Town of
Granby. Granby SSA obtains its drinking water from three wells drilled into the Fraser River alluvium.
One of the wells is under the influence of surface water. The aquifer consists of alluvial sediments. The
Granby SSA is currently building a new water treatment facility to be completed in September of 2017.
All wells are located adjacent to the new water treatment plant. A fourth well, Well #1, is inactive.
Historically, water yields average 500 gallons per minute (Table 3). The recharge area extends 2,400
feet in 360 degrees around each well and is comprised primarily of precipitation.
Table 4: Granby SSA Groundwater Supply Information
Water System Facility
Name
Total
Depth of
Well (ft)
Depth of
Plain Casing
(ft)
Depth of
Perforation
(ft)
Yield
(gpm)
Year
Drilled
Granby SSA #2 65 36 36 500 1982
Granby SSA #3 65 36 36 500 1982
Granby SSA #4 65 36 36 500 1982
Drinking Water Supply Operations
Water Supply and Infrastructure
The Granby SSA source water supply comes from three wells located in the Town of Granby. Water is
currently treated at each well. Water will be treated at the new water treatment plant upon its
completion.
Water Treatment: The water is treated with sodium hypochlorite injected at the well house pipe string.
The wells each have the capacity to pump 500 gpm. The system’s combined treatment capacity is
648,000 gallons per day.
Water Distribution:
Treated water from the wells, and from the new water treatment plant is held in two storage tanks. It
then continues through the rest of the distribution system. The maximum storage capacity is 1.75
million gallons.
Water Supply Demand Analysis
The Granby SSA serves an estimated 1,785 connections and approximately 1,900 residents and other
users in the service area annually. The water system has the current capacity to produce 648,000 gallons
per day. Current estimates indicate that the average daily demand is approximately 350,000 gallons per
day.
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Figure 6: Diagram of the Granby South Service Area water treatment and distribution system
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Town of Fraser
Physical Characteristics
The Town of Fraser is located in the Fraser River valley downstream of the Town of Winter Park. The
Town of Fraser obtains its drinking water from 12 wells in two different well fields drilled into both the
Fraser Alluvium and the Troublesome Aquifer. The Fraser Alluvium is an unconfined aquifer consisting
of alluvial sediments. The Troublesome Aquifer is a confined aquifer consisting of fractured granite and
a confining shale layer. Historically, water yields average 300-400 gallons per minute (Table 4). The
recharge area extends 15 miles to the southwest and is comprised primarily of precipitation.
Table 5: Town of Fraser Groundwater Supply Information
Water System
Facility Name
Total Depth
of Well (ft)
Depth of
Plain Casing
(ft)
Depth of
Perforation
(ft)
Yield
(gpm)
Year
Drilled
FrWell 1 135 77 77 106 1982
FrWell 2 113 76 76 100 1982
FrWell 3a 177 117 117 60 1983
FrWell 3b 115 70 70 71 1983
FrWell 5 173 88 88 138 2008
FrWell 7 47 30 30 80 1988
FrWell 8 122 90 90 150 1988
FrWell 9 53 26 26 200 1988
MvWell 1 (E1) 282 70 70 85 2002
MvWell 4 (E4) 200 75 75 40 2002
MvWell 5 (E3) 276 51 51 150 2002
MvWell 7 (E2) 270 30 30 85 2002
Drinking Water Supply Operations
Water Supply and Infrastructure
The Town of Fraser source water supply comes from 12 wells located along the Fraser River in two
separate aquafers and independent well fields both within the Town limits. One group of wells is within
the Town of Fraser itself (Fraser well field) and the other group is upstream to the southeast within the
Rendezvous development (Maryvale well field). Fraser has two treatment plants, one for each well field
production area.
Water Treatment: The well fields have the capacity to pump 300-400 gpm. From the wells, the raw
water is pumped into the treatment plants where it is disinfected and conditioned with sodium
hypochlorite and soda ash.
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Water Distribution: The treated water is pumped directly into the distribution system for consumption
or into three storage tanks if there is no demand. The system’s combined treatment capacity is 1.9
million gallons per day (gpd). The maximum storage capacity is 1.8 million gallons.
Water Supply Demand Analysis
The Town of Fraser serves an estimated 850 connections and approximately 1,100 residents and other
users in the service area annually. The water system has the current capacity to produce 1.8 million
gallons per day. Current estimates indicate that the average daily demand is approximately 175,000
gallons per day, and that the average peak daily demand is approximately 250,000 gallons per day. Using
these estimates, the water system has a surplus average daily demand capacity of 1.7 million gallons per
day and a surplus average peak daily demand capacity of 1.675 million gallons per day.
Based on the estimates above, the Town of Fraser has determined that if 10 of its water sources become
disabled for an extended period of time due to contamination, the Town of Fraser may not be able to
meet the average daily demand of its customers. The Town of Fraser has determined that if 8 of its
water sources become disabled for an extended period of time due to contamination, the Town of
Fraser may not be able to meet the peak daily demand of its customers. The ability of the Town of
Fraser to meet either of these demands for an extended period of time is also affected by the amount of
treated water the water system has in storage at the time a water sources becomes disabled.
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Town of Fraser Water System Process Schematic
Figure 7: Diagram of the Town of Fraser water treatment and distribution system
FrWell 1
FrWell 2
FrWTP
1MG Storage
Tank
MvWTP
MvWell 7
500 Kgal Storage
300 Kgal storage
GZPS
Distribution System
Distribution System
MvWell1
MvWell 4
MvWell 5
FrWell3a
FrWell 3b
FrWell 7
FrWell 5
PRV vault
FrWell 9
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Winter Park Ranch Water and Sanitation District
Physical Characteristics
Winter Park Ranch Water and Sanitation District (Winter Park Ranch) offices are located in the Town of
Fraser downstream of the Town of Winter Park, although its service area is located in unincorporated
Grand County to the east of the Fraser town limits. Winter Park Ranch obtains its drinking water from 6
wells drilled into the Troublesome aquifer. The Troublesome aquifer is a confined aquifer consisting of
alluvial sediments with a confining shale layer. Groundwater flow generally moves in a northerly
direction. Recharge extends approximately 15 miles to the southwest and is assumed to be comprised
of precipitation. Historically, water yields range from 130 gallons per minute to 240 gallons per minute
(Table 5).
Table 6: Winter Park Ranch Groundwater Supply Information
Water System Facility
Name
Total
Depth of
Well (ft)
Depth of
Plain Casing
(ft)
Depth of
Perforation
(ft)
Yield
(gpm)
Year
Drilled
Winter Park Ranch #2 110 110 105 400 1973
Winter Park Ranch #3 115 115 75 185 1974
Winter Park Ranch #4 120 120 105 232 1974
Winter Park Ranch #5 120 120 105 151 1980
Winter Park Ranch #6 173 173 110 250 1982
Winter Park Ranch #7 166 166 115 110 1982
Drinking Water Supply Operations
Water Supply and Infrastructure
The Winter Park Ranch source water supply comes from 6 wells located along the Fraser River in the
Town of Fraser in southeast Grand County.
Water Treatment: Water from the wells is delivered to one treatment plant. The system’s combined
treatment capacity is 750,000 gallons per day.
Water Distribution: From the treatment facility, the water is held in a clear well and then sent to three
storage tanks before entering the distribution system. The maximum storage capacity is 1.35 million
gallons.
Water Supply Demand Analysis
The Winter Park Ranch serves an estimated 1,620 connections and approximately 2,150 residents and
other users in their service area annually. The water system has the current capacity to produce 720,000
gallons per day. Current estimates indicate that the average daily demand is approximately 120,000
gallons per day, and that the average peak daily demand is approximately 250,000 gallons per day. Using
these estimates, the water system has a surplus average daily demand capacity of 120,000 gallons per
day and a surplus average peak daily demand capacity of 250,000 gallons per day.
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Based on the estimates above, Winter Park Ranch has determined that if five of its water sources
become disabled for an extended period of time due to contamination, Winter Park Ranch may not be
able to meet the average daily demand of its customers. Winter Park Ranch may not be able to meet
the peak daily demand of its customers if three of its water sources became disabled. The ability of
Winter Park Ranch to meet either of these demands for an extended period of time is also affected by
the amount of treated water the water system has in storage at the time a water sources becomes
disabled.
Figure 8: Diagram of the Winter Park Ranch water treatment and distribution system
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Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1
Physical Characteristics
Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1 (Grand County #1) is located in the Town of Winter Park.
Grand County #1 obtains its drinking water from two surface water intakes located on Vasquez Creek
and Little Vasquez Creek. Historically, water yields range from 130 to 240 gallons per minute (Table 6).
Table 7: Grand County #1 Surface Water Supply Information
Water System Facility Name Surface Water Source Construction
Date
Grand County #1 Vasquez Creek
Grand County #1 Little Vasquez Creek
Drinking Water Supply Operations
Water Supply and Infrastructure
The treatment facilities for Grand County #1 are located immediately next to Vasquez and Little Vasquez
Creeks. Water can also be delivered via Denver Water from the Saint Louis Creek and Williams Fork
drainages.
Water Treatment: The two treatment plants for Grand County #1 treat water using membranes.
Water Distribution: Water is treated at the treatment facilities and delivered to two storage tanks.
Grand County #1 is able to store 1.2 million gallons of treated drinking water.
Water Supply Demand Analysis
The Grand County #1 system serves an estimated 750 connections and approximately 5,400 residents
and other users in the service area annually. The water system has the current capacity to produce 1.2
million gallons per day. Current estimates indicate that the average daily demand is approximately
500,000 gallons per day, and that the average peak daily demand is approximately 680,000 gallons per
day. Using these estimates, the water system has a surplus average daily demand capacity of 700,000
gallons per day and a surplus average peak daily demand capacity of 520,000 gallons per day.
Based on the estimates above, Grand County #1 has determined that if the Vasquez Creek source
become disabled for an extended period of time due to contamination, Grand County #1 may not be
able to meet the average daily demand or average peak daily demand of its customers. The ability of
Grand County #1 to meet either of these demands for an extended period of time is also affected by the
amount of treated water the water system has in storage at the time a water source becomes disabled.
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Figure 9: Diagram of the Grand County #1 water treatment and distribution system
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Winter Park Water and Sanitation District
Physical Characteristics
Winter Park Water and Sanitation District (Winter Park WSD) is located upstream of the Town of Winter
Park within the Winter Park Resort. Winter Park WSD obtains its drinking water from a surface water
intake on the Fraser River (Table 7). The Fraser River at its intake drains approximately 23 square miles
and is in Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) number 1401000102. The Fraser River originates approximately 12
miles upstream.
Winter Park WSD is currently working with Denver Water to connect a pipeline from the neighboring
drainage of Jim Creek to its treatment facility. This would create a backup water source for Winter Park
WSD in the event that the Fraser River were to become contaminated or unavailable.
Table 8: Winter Park Surface Water Supply Information
Water System Facility Name Surface Water Source Construction
Date
Winter Park Fraser River 1981
Drinking Water Supply Operations
Water Supply and Infrastructure
The treatment facility for Winter Park WSD is located immediately next to the Fraser River.
Water Treatment: The Winter Park WSD Water Treatment Plant was built in 1981. Winter Park WSD
treats water using membranes.
Water Distribution: Water is treated at the treatment facility and delivered to two storage tanks.
Winter Park WSD is able to store 1.3 million gallons of treated drinking water.
Water Supply Demand Analysis
The Winter Park WSD serves an estimated 225 connections and approximately 1,660 Equivalent Single
Family Units (ESFU) with 137 year-round residents and an average population of 6,000 in the service
area annually. The water system has the current capacity to produce 1 million gallons per day. Current
estimates indicate that the average daily demand is approximately 180,000 gallons per day, and that the
average peak daily demand is approximately 250,000 gallons per day.
Based on the estimates above, the Winter Park WSD has determined that if its water source become
disabled for an extended period of time due to contamination, the Winter Park WSD may not be able to
meet the average daily demand or average peak daily demand of its customers. The ability of the
Winter Park WSD to meet either of these demands for an extended period of time is also affected by the
amount of treated water the water system has in storage at the time a water source becomes disabled.
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Figure 10: Diagram of the Winter Park WS water treatment and distribution system
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Denver Water
Physical Characteristics
Compared to the other water providers in the FRSWPP, Denver Water operates a large and complicated
water collection, treatment, and distribution system. Denver Water collects raw water in two major
systems, which are not physically connected.
• the North System (the “Moffat Tunnel Collection System”) collects raw water in the Fraser and
Williams Fork watersheds and delivers it, via the Moffat Tunnel, Gross Reservoir, and Ralston
Reservoir, to the Moffat Water Treatment Plant (WTP); and
• the South System, is comprised of the Roberts Tunnel Collection System (including Dillon
Reservoir) and the South Platte Collection System (Antero, Elevenmile, Cheesman, and Strontia
Springs reservoirs), which delivers water to the Foothills and Marston WTPs.
The South System represents approximately 80 percent of Denver Water’s raw water supply, with the
North System making up the remaining 20 percent. For the purposes of this SWPP, only the North
System is discussed in detail.
Denver Water’s Moffat Tunnel Collection System brings raw water from a number of surface sources
around the Fraser and Williams Fork river basins to the Moffat Tunnel. The Moffat Tunnel carries water
by gravity through the Continental Divide, where it is stored in Gross Reservoir, then Ralston Reservoir,
and finally treated at the Moffat WTP, and delivered to Denver Water’s customers. The system moves
water from the Fraser and Williams Fork river basins through approximately 28 miles of canals, pipes,
siphons, and tunnels. There are a total of 32 points of diversion diverting – on average – approximately
64,000 acre-feet per year. Denver Water’s system drains approximately 160 square miles and is in
Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) number 1401000102.
Table 9: Denver Water Surface Water Supply Information
Water System Facility Name Surface Water Source
Denver Water
Fraser River, Williams Fork
headwaters, and various
tributaries
Drinking Water Supply Operations
Water Supply and Infrastructure
Flows in the Moffat Tunnel vary considerably throughout the year – from 10 cfs to 500 cfs – but average
approximately 87 cfs. For the purposes of source water protection in the Fraser River, this document
only considers Denver Water’s infrastructure on the western slope including diversions, pipes, canals,
siphons and tunnels, including the Moffat Tunnel.
Water Supply Demand Analysis
Denver Water serves approximately 1.4 million customers, and is the largest drinking water provider in
the state.
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Because of the size of its raw water collection system (North and South systems), and built-in flexibility
and redundancy, if any of its water sources were to become disabled for a short period time due to an
event or contamination, Denver Water would have options for continuing to meet the average or peak
daily demand of its customers.1 With 32 diversions in the SWPA, and depending on which diversion(s)
were to become disabled, Denver Water could potentially shut off various components of its collection
system to isolate a problem. If the entire Moffat Tunnel Collection System were to become disable for a
longer duration, or in the event that a larger issue warranted shutting down the Moffat (water) Tunnel,
Denver Water could impose water use restrictions on its customers to reduce demand, combined with
putting greater reliance on the South System, which, on average, already provides 80 percent of its
water supply. (Note: other water providers that purchase water from Denver Water – including Arvada
West and North Table Mountain – would also be affected by short-and long-term outages.) These would
be temporary measures until a permanent solution can be identified. The ability of Denver Water to
meet average or peak daily demands for an extended period of time is also affected by the amount of
treated water the water system has in storage at the time a water source becomes disabled.
1 The Moffat Collection System Project EIS is analyzing expansion of Gross Reservoir which is (in part) designed to address: increasing
reliability; decreasing vulnerability, and increasing flexibility.
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Figure not Included in Public Version of Document
Figure 11: Map of the Denver Water intake system in the Fraser River watershed
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WATER SOURCE REPLACEMENT COST ESTIMATES
The FRSWPP recognizes that potential contamination of its water sources could result in having to treat
the water to a greater degree and/or abandon the water source if treatment proves to be ineffective or
too costly. To understand the potential financial costs associated with such an accident, estimated costs
in today’s dollars to replace a water source can be found in Table 9 below (i.e., replacement of the
intake structure and the associated infrastructure). Treatment costs, which can vary depending on the
type of contaminant(s) that need(s) to be treated, were not included in this estimate.2
The potential financial and water supply risks related to the long-term disablement of one or more of
the community’s water sources are a concern to the FRSWPP. As a result, the FRSWPP believes the
development and implementation of a SWPP can help to reduce the risks posed by potential
contamination of its water sources.
Table 10: Water Source Replacement Cost Estimates
Water System Facility Name Estimated Cost ($)
Moraine Park 250,000
Town of Granby NSA 10 million
Town of Granby SSA 1 million
Town of Fraser 250,000
Winter Park Ranch 250,000
Grand County #1 3.5 to 5 million
Winter Park WSD 500,000
Denver Water 500,000
2 As noted previously, Denver Water has 32 diversion structures, and the Moffat Tunnel is unique in its engineering and size. If the Moffat
Tunnel needed to be replaced, Denver Water estimates that it could cost $95 million in today’s dollars.
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SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PLAN DEVELOPMENT
The CRWA’s Source Water Protection Specialists, Dylan Eiler and Paul Hempel, helped guide and
facilitate the source water protection planning process. The goal of CRWA’s Source Water Protection
Program is to assist public water systems in minimizing or eliminating potential risks to drinking water
supplies through the development and implementation of SWPPs.
The source water protection planning effort consisted of a series of public planning meetings and
individual meetings. Information discussed at the meetings helped the FRSWPP develop an
understanding of the issues affecting source water protection for the community. The FRSWPP held five
meetings with topic experts and community members to gain knowledge and discuss potential areas of
concern. Experts in each subject area including forestry, roads, railroads, etc. presented information on
their efforts to protect public water and how the FRSWPP can take proactive steps to prevent potential
contamination or provide an adequate response(s) in the event of an incident. Additional information on
presentations is provided in the table and text, below. This information helped inform the identification
of potential areas of concern for each water system and in the development of BMPs.
The Steering Committee then made recommendations for BMPs to be incorporated into the SWPP. In
addition to the planning meetings, data and other information pertaining to the SWPA was gathered via
public documents, internet research, phone calls, emails, and field trips to the protection area. A
summary of the meetings is represented below.
Table 11: Planning Meetings
Date Purpose of Meeting
August 25, 2015 Logistics (Kickoff) Meeting – roles, timeline, contracts, grants, and coordination of
field assessments.
October 21 & 26, 2015 Field Assessments of all intakes and wells
November 12, 2015 1st Planning Meeting - Presentation on the process of developing a SWPP for the
FRSWPP systems. Overview of participating systems. Begin delineation of SWPAs for
each system. Identify additional key stakeholders.
December 8, 2015 2nd Planning Meeting – Review of Source Water Protection; Continue Delineation of
the SWPAs; Begin Inventory of Potential Sources of Contamination; Plan Expert
Presentations.
January 14, 2016 3rd Planning meeting – Finalize Delineation of the SWPAs; Begin Inventory of
Potential Sources of Contamination; Plan Expert Presentations.
February 25, 2016 4th Planning Meeting – Expert Presentations: JW Associates on Wildfire Risk and USFS
on Wildfire and Recreation
March 24, 2016 5th Planning Meeting – Expert Presentations: Grand County Natural Resources on
Noxious Weeds and Grand County Emergency Manager on Coordination with
FRSWPP on Emergency Management.
April 21, 2016 6th Planning Meeting - Expert Presentations: Grand County Community Development
on Development, Planning, and Stormwater, and Union Pacific Railroad on Railroad
Operations and Emergency Response.
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May 24, 2016 7th Planning Meeting - Expert Presentations: Colorado Department of Transportation
(CDOT) on Highway Operations and Spill Response and Natural Resourc es
Conservation Service (NRCS) on Agriculture and Grazing.
June 28, 2016 8th Planning Meeting - Expert Presentations: Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining
& Safety on Mines and Abandoned Mines and JVA Consulting on Stormwater
Management.
August 2016 Individual Meetings with each PWS in the FRSWPP to prioritize PSOCs and develop
BMPs for each individual PWS.
August 30, 2016 9th Planning Meeting - Overview of Source Water Protection; Identify and prioritize
top PSOCs for FRSWPP as a group; Develop BMPs for FRSWPP’s group top PSOCs.
January 11&12, 2017 Meetings with each water system to develop individual level BMPs.
May 9,2017 10th Planning Meeting – Review and Discuss Draft SWPP
June _, 2017 11th Planning Meeting – Finalize Source Water Protection Plan and create Action
Plans for BMP Implementation.
Wildfire
Brad Piehl from JW and Associates presented on wildfire planning. He presented tools in post fire
planning and hazard and fire severity mapping. These tools help to identify geographic areas of concern,
areas with high fire risk, and areas where post fire mitigation may be possible and effective. The US
Forest Service (Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest, Sulphur Ranger District) presented on local efforts
to keep roads clear and to remove fuel for fire. These presentations on wildfire informed on decisions
about high risk fire areas and post fire mitigation.
Noxious Weed Control
Jennifer Scott and Amy Sidener presented on Grand County Noxious Weed Control. Grand County
Natural Resources sprays weeds along Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) rights-of-way.
The low concentration and proper application of herbicide creates a very low level of concern for the
FRSWPP. Since there is very little chance that weed control efforts could affect water supplies or
operations, BMPs were not developed for noxious weed control.
Emergency Management
Noelle Curran presented on operations at the Grand County Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
While it would be important to communicate with the OEM in the event of an emergency, the OEM
does not have the resources to call and inform water suppliers about emergency operations. The
responsibility of communicating about emergency events falls to the members of the FRSWPP.
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Railroad Operations
Tyler Parker from the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) presented on railroad operations. UPRR has over
1,500 miles of track in Colorado. Cargo transported by UPRR and BNSF Railway includes everything from
coal, oil, and gas, to hard goods. In 2014, UPR transported 1.4 million hazmat loads. While spills and
derailments are rare, they are a concern to the water systems of the FRSWPP.
In the event of a spill, UPRR will contact the local 911 dispatch who will communicate with water
systems. UPRR also has a Geographic Response Plan which has contact information for people based on
mile markers of the track. This enables UPRR to reach critical contacts quickly at a specific area in the
event of a spill. Water suppliers can ask to be put on this plan so that they can be contacted. At the
state level, CDPHE has a spill hotline to call to get information about reported spills.
Within the community, individuals can report train issues (accident, derailment, leak, etc.) to UPRR
through their Response Management Communications Center (1-888-UPRR-COP (877-7267)). Each train
car and locomotive has identification numbers on its left side. When calling this hotline, this
identification information about the train is very helpful.
The response and mitigation of a spill is UPRR’s responsibility. They coordinate with local emergency
responders, regulatory agencies, and specialized contractors to mitigate and recover from a spill.
County Planning
Bill Gray from Grand County presented on county planning and septic systems. Most of Grand County is
zoned as Forestry or Open Space. Industry in Grand County is very light and includes quarries, gravel
pits, mills, and utilities. Septic systems are not common in Grand County and pose low risk to water
supplies.
Highway Operations and Spill Response
Jennifer Klaetsch from CDOT presented on highway operations and spill response. Traction sand
application in winter months can potentially result in added sediment in Grand County waters. A
sediment control action plan for Highway 40 over Berthoud Pass is in process to help control sediment
after it is applied to roadways. Like UPRR, CDOT and the Colorado Department of Health and
Environment (CDPHE) have a spill reporting hotline: 1-877-518-5608. Highway spills are remediated to
CDPHE and cleaned up to EPA standards.
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Agriculture and Cattle Grazing
Mark Volt from the Middle Park Conservation District (MPCD) presented on agriculture and grazing.
Very little of Grand County is actually cultivated. Most agriculture is composed of rangeland and hay
where relatively little fertilizer is used. The MPCD works with ranchers so that they might adopt best
management grazing practices. These may include cross fence grazing, stock pond creation, and
exclusion of cattle from rivers and streams. If cattle grazing poses a risk to water quality in Grand
County rivers and streams, FRSWPP members are encouraged to contact Mark Volt at the MPCD. Mark
will attempt to act as a liaison between water suppliers and ranchers.
Active and Abandoned Mines
According to the Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety, Grand County has one abandoned
mine in the Williams Fork drainage. Data collected does not suggest that metals are leaking from the
Bobtail Mine into the nearby Bobtail Creek, posing minimal risk to the water supplies of the FRSWPP.
Stormwater Management
JVA Consulting presented on stormwater management in Grand County. Construction areas are
required to have a stormwater permit. They are required to take steps to prevent erosion and to
control active sediment. Because these BMPs are already in place, there is very little risk posed to water
supplies.
Stakeholder Participation in the Planning Process
Local stakeholder participation is vitally important to the overall success of Colorado’s SWAP program.
Source water protection was founded on the concept that informed citizens, equipped with
fundamental knowledge about their drinking water source and the threats to it, will be the most
effective advocates for protecting this valuable resource. Local support and acceptance of the SWPP is
more likely when local stakeholders have actively participated in its development.
The FRSWPP’s source water protection planning process attracted interest and participation from 53
stakeholders including local citizens and landowners, private businesses, water operators, local and
state governments, and agency representatives. During the months of August, 2015 through June 2017,
11 planning meetings were held in Winter Park to encourage local stakeholder participation in the
planning process.
A Steering Committee to help develop the SWPP was formed from the stakeholder group. The Steering
Committee’s role in the source water protection planning process was to advise each individual water
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system and the FRSWPP as a group in the identification and prioritization of potential contaminant
sources as well as management approaches that can be voluntarily implemented to reduce the risks of
potential contamination of the untreated source water. All Steering Committee members attended at
least one meeting and contributed to planning efforts from their areas of experience and expertise.
Their representation provided diversity and led to a thorough SWPP. The FRSWPP and the CRWA are
very appreciative of the participation and expert input from the following participants.
Table 12: Steering Committee Members
Stakeholder Title Affiliation
Bruce Hutchins District Manager Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1
Mike Wageck District Manager Winter Park Water and Sanitation District
Jim Fox District Manager Winter Park Ranch Water and Sanitation District
Allen Nordin Public Works Director Town of Fraser
Adam Cwiklin Water and Wastewater
Superintendent Town of Fraser
Douglas Bellatty Water Superintendent Town of Granby South Service Area
Kial Magnuson Chief Operator Town of Granby North Service Area
Jason Marks Environmental Planner Denver Water
Christina Burri Watershed Scientist Denver Water
Dylan Eiler Source Water Specialist Colorado Rural Water Association
Ryan Lokteff Plan Developer Environmental Services Contractor
Development and Implementation Grant
Each member of the FRSWPP has been awarded a $5,000 Development and Implementation Grant from
the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). This funding is available to public
water systems and representative stakeholders committed to developing and implementing a SWPP. A
one-to-one financial match (cash or in-kind) is required. Each water system was approved for this grant
on August 11, 2015, and it expires on January 31, 2018. Up to half of the grant can be used to pay a plan
developer (Ryan Lokteff) to create the SWPP. Remaining funds will be used to implement BMPs
identified in this plan.
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Defining the Source Water Protection Area
A SWPA is defined by the surface and subsurface areas within which contaminants are reasonably likely
to reach a water source. The purpose of delineating a SWPA is to determine the recharge area that
supplies water to a public water source. Delineation is the process used to identify and map the area
around a pumping well that supplies water to the well or spring, or to identify and map the drainage
basin that supplies water to a surface water intake. The size and shape of the area depends on the
characteristics of the aquifer and the well, or the watershed. The SWAA that was delineated as part of
the FRSWPP’s Source Water Assessment Report provides the basis for understanding where the
community’s source water and potential contaminant threats originate, and where the FRSWPP has
chosen to implement its source water protection measures in an attempt to manage the susceptibility of
their source water to potential contamination.
After carefully reviewing their Source Water Assessment Reports and the CDPHE’s delineation of the
SWAAs for each of the FRSWPP’s sources, the group chose to modify them before accepting them as
their SWPA for this SWPP. The FRSWPP’s SWPAs are defined for each water supplier.
Moraine Park Water and Sanitation
1. Zone 1 is defined as a 500-foot radius around each wellhead.
2. Zone 2 is defined as a 2,000-foot radius around each wellhead with extensions to encompass
Middle Park High School to the west and the Granby Jones neighborhood to the east.
3. Zone 3 is defined by the topography of the Granby Plateau (aka Granby Mesa). The Granby
Plateau is bound by Smith Creek to the north, the Vail Ditch to the east, and the terraces of the
Fraser River to the south. Groundwater in this zone generally moves from east to west and is
recharged by agricultural lands.
The Moraine Park SWPA is illustrated in the following map.
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Figure not Included in Public Version of Document
Figure 12: Moraine Park WS SWPA Delineations
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Granby North Service Area
1. Zone 1 is defined as a 1000-foot buffer on both sides of the stream center line of the Fraser
River and its main tributaries upstream to the Town of Fraser.
2. Zone 2 is defined as a 1000-foot buffer on both sides of the stream center line of all of the major
tributaries in the Fraser River watershed upstream of the Town of Granby.
3. Zone 3 is defined as the entire upstream watershed.
The Granby North Service Area SWPA is illustrated in the following map.
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Figure not Included in Public Version of Document
Figure 13: Granby North Service Area SWPA Delineations
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Granby South Service Area
1. Zone 1 is defined as a 2,400-foot radius around each wellhead.
2. Zone 2 is defined as a 2,400-foot buffer on both sides of the stream center line of the Fraser
River and its main tributaries upstream to Tabernash. This includes the streams of the 10 Mile
Creek drainage.
3. Zone 3 is defined as the entire upstream watershed.
The Granby South Service Area SWPA is illustrated in the following map.
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Figure not Included in Public Version of Document
Figure 14: Granby South Service Area SWPA Delineations
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Town of Fraser
1. Zone 1 is defined as a 500-foot buffer around each wellhead and a 150-foot buffer on both sides
of the stream center line of the Fraser River and its major tributaries upstream to a distance of 5
miles. (St. Louis Creek, Elk Creek, Leland Creek, and Vasquez Creek).
2. Zone 2 is defined as a quarter mile buffer on both sides of the stream center line of the Fraser
River and its major tributaries upstream to a distance of 5 miles. (St. Louis Creek, Elk Creek,
Leland Creek, and Vasquez Creek). This zone extends downstream on the Fraser River to overlap
with Zone 1 of the Granby North Service Area.
3. Zone 3 is defined as the upstream watershed to a distance of 5 miles. Like Zone 2, it extends
downstream on the Fraser River to overlap with Zone 1 of the Granby North Service Area.
The Town of Fraser SWPA is illustrated in the following map.
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Figure not Included in Public Version of Document
Figure 15: Town of Fraser SWPA Delineations
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Winter Park Ranch Water and Sanitation District
1. Zone 1 is defined as a 500-foot buffer around each wellhead and a buffer to cover the Fraser
River valley upstream to the Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1 storage ponds and
expanded to include the nearby Safeway parking lot.
2. Zone 2 is defined as a 0.75-mile buffer beyond Zone 1 with an extension to cover the northern
service area.
3. Zone 3 is defined as the upstream watershed to a distance of 5 miles.
The Winter Park Ranch SWPA is illustrated in the following map.
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Figure not Included in Public Version of Document
Figure 16: Winter Park Ranch WSD SWPA Delineations
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Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1
1. Zone 1 is defined as the watersheds upstream of Grand County Water and Sanitation District
#1’s intakes on Vasquez and Little Vasquez Creeks. Zone 1 also extends into the neighboring
drainage of the Williams Fork because water from Denver Water’s conveyance system can bring
water from the Williams Fork to Vasquez Creek.
2. Zone 2 is defined as the watershed upstream of Denver Water’s conveyance system on St. Louis
Creek. This system can move water from St. Louis Creek into Vasquez Creek.
The Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1 SWPA is illustrated in the following map.
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Figure not Included in Public Version of Document
Figure 17: Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1 SWPA Delineations
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Winter Park Water and Sanitation District
1. Zone 1 is defined as the watershed upstream of Winter Park WSD’s intake on the Fraser River.
The Primary Zone also extends to the Jim Creek canal to the East where Winter Park WSD, along
with Denver Water, plans to build a bypass pipeline to access the water in this creek. The
primary purpose of the project is to provide a back-up water supply for the WPWSD water
treatment plant, for which the primary water supply source is the Fraser River.
The Winter Park WSD SWPA is illustrated in the following map.
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Figure not Included in Public Version of Document
Figure 18: Winter Park Water and Sanitation District SWPA Delineations
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Denver Water
1. Zone 1 is defined as a 1,000-foot buffer around all of the streams and canals that contribute to
Denver Water’s canal and pipeline system. This consists of tributaries to the Fraser River
including Ranch Creek, Meadow Creek, Cabin Creek, St. Louis Creek, Vasquez Creek, and Jim
Creek. This also includes portions of the Williams Fork Basin.
2. Zone 2 is defined as the watersheds upstream of Denver Water’s conveyance system on these
same tributaries.
The Denver Water SWPA is illustrated in the following map.
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Figure not Included in Public Version of Document
Figure 19: Denver Water SWPA Delineations
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Inventory of Potential Contaminant Sources and Other Issues of Concern
In 2001 – 2002, as part of the Source Water Assessment Report, a contaminant source inventory was
conducted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to identify selected potential
sources of contamination that might be present within the SWAAs across Colorado. Discrete and
dispersed contaminant sources were inventoried using selected state and federal regulatory databases,
land use / land cover and transportation maps of Colorado. The contaminant inventory was completed
by mapping the potential contaminant sources with the aid of a Geographic Information System (GIS).
The FRSWPP has reviewed the Source Water Assessment Report. These Assessment results were used as
a starting point to guide the development of appropriate management approaches to protect the source
waters of FRSWPP from potential contamination. A copy of the Source Water Assessment Report for the
FRSWPP can be obtained by contacting the individual water suppliers or by downloading a copy from
the CDPHE’s SWAP program website located at: https://www.colorado.gov/cdphe/source-water-
assessment-and-protection-swap.
The FRSWPP was asked, by CDPHE, to review the inventory information, field-verify selected
information about existing and new contaminant sources, and provide feedback on the accuracy of the
inventory. Through this SWPP, the FRSWPP is reporting its findings to the CDPHE.
After much consideration, discussion, and input from local stakeholders, the FRSWPP and the Steering
Committee have developed a more accurate and current inventory of contaminant sources located
within the SWPA and other issues of concern that may impact the FRSWPP’s drinking water sources.3 In
addition to the discrete and dispersed contaminant sources identified in the contaminant source
inventory, the Steering Committee has also identified other issues of concern that may impact the
FRSWPP’s drinking water sources (see Table 12-20: Potential Sources of Contamination and Issues of
Concern Prioritization Table). Upon completion of this contaminant source inventory, the FRSWPP has
decided to adopt it in place of the original contaminant source inventory provided by the CDPHE.
Priority Strategy of Potential Contaminant Sources and Other Issues of Concern
After developing a contaminant source inventory and list of issues of concern that is more accurate,
complete, and current, the FRSWPP prioritized each item to guide the implementation of the BMPs
outlined in this SWPP (see Table 12-20: Source Water Protection Best Management Practices). The
prioritization ranking of each potential contaminant source or other issue of concern factored in the
following criteria (as described below): the level of risk, the water system control, and the BMPs
associated with each item.
1. Risk – The level of risk for each contaminant source is a measure of the water source’s
potential exposure to contamination. When prioritizing, a water system may assign a higher
priority ranking to a potential contaminant source that has a higher risk level than one of lower
risk level. The FRSWPP utilized CRWA’s SWAP Risk Assessment Matrix (Figure 20), which
3 The information contained in this Plan is limited to that available from public records and the Fraser River Source Water Protection
Partnership at the time that the Plan was written. Other potential contaminant sites or threats to the water supply may exist in the Source
Water Protection Area that are not identified in this Plan. Furthermore, identification of a site as a “potential contaminant site” should not be
interpreted as one that will necessarily cause contamination of the water supply.
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calculates the level of risk by estimating the following:
• Impact to the Public Water System – The risk to the source waters increases as the
impact to the water system increases. The impact is determined by evaluating the
human health concerns and potential volume of the contaminant source. CDPHE
developed information tables to assist with this evaluation (Appendix B). The following
descriptions provide a framework to estimate the impact to the public water system.
• Catastrophic - irreversible damage to the water source(s). This could include
the need for new treatment technologies and/or the replacement of existing
water source(s).
• Major - substantial damage to the water source(s). This could include a loss of
use for an extended period of time and/or the need for new treatment
technologies.
• Significant - moderate damage to the water source(s). This could include a loss
of use for an extended period of time and/or the need for increased monitoring
and/or maintenance activities.
• Minor - minor damage resulting in minimal, recoverable, or localized efforts.
This could include temporarily shutting off an intake or well and/or the
issuance of a boil order.
• Insignificant - damage that may be too small or unimportant to be worth
consideration, but may need to be observed for worsening conditions. This
could include the development of administrative procedures to maintain
awareness of changing conditions.
• Probability of Impact – The risk to the source waters increases as the relative
probability of damage or loss increases. The probability of impact is determined by
evaluating the number of contaminant sources, the migration potential or proximity to
the water source, and the historical data. The following descriptions provide a
framework to estimate the relative probability that damage or loss would occur within
one to ten years.
• Certain: >95% probability of impact
• Likely: >70% to <95% probability of impact
• Possible: >30% to <70% probability of impact
• Unlikely: >5% to <30% probability of impact
• Rare: <5% probability of impact
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Figure 20: CRWA’s SWAP Risk Assessment Matrix
2. Control – The level of water system control describes the ability of the water system to take
measures to prevent contamination or minimize impact. A potential contaminant source that
falls within a water system’s jurisdiction (i.e. direct control), may be of higher priority since they
can take direct measures to prevent contamination or minimize the impact.
• Direct Control – The water system can take direct measures to prevent.
• Indirect Control – The water system cannot directly control the issue, but can work
with another person or entity to take measures to prevent.
• No Control – The PSOC or issue of concern is outside the control of the public water
system and other entities.
3. Best Management Practices – BMPs are the actions that can be taken within the SWPA to help
reduce the potential risks of contamination to the community’s source waters. The
prioritization of the potential contaminant sources or issues of concern may be affected by the
feasibility of implementing the BMPs that the FRSWPP developed (Table 13: Source Water
Protection Best Management Practices).
Each water system of the FRSWPP developed potential contaminant source inventories for their
individual system. The above risk assessment was used to identify and classify threats which were
ranked numerically with 1 being the highest threat. PSOC worksheets for each water system can be
found in the appendix. Numerical values assigned to threats were then used to create a PSOC inventory
for the FRSWPP as a group. The FRSWPP and Steering Committee ranked the potential contaminant
source inventory and issues of concern in the following way:
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FRSWPP GROUP ISSUES OF CONCERN
Lack of Emergency Communication Protocol - Very High Priority - The water systems of the FRSWPP do
not currently have an emergency communication protocol. In an emergency event, communication
between emergency responders and water suppliers is the first step in protecting infrastructure and
preventing drinking water contamination. Establishing a communication protocol between the
members of the FRSWPP will greatly aide efforts to protect water supplies. This will include the creation
of a phone tree to determine how the members will communicate with each other in the case of a
threatening event. Water suppliers of the FRSWPP will register and update contact information with the
Grand County Office of Emergency Management’s CodeRED notification system. As this SWPP is being
completed, members of the FRSWPP are beginning to gather communication information and create a
communication protocol.
Education and Outreach Related PSOCs – High Priority - Numerous threats to water systems were
identified that are all related to education and awareness of the public. These threats range from high
to low priority and include structure fire, septic systems, dispersed camping, dog waste, spill reporting,
reporting possible railroad leaks or spills, etc. BMPs involving education and outreach with the
community will be instrumental in identifying and solving these issues. Implementing these BMPs is a
high priority for the FRSWPP because they will be inexpensive and easy to implement.
Fire – High Priority - Wildfire is a threat to each of the water systems in the FRSWPP. Forested areas in
this part of Colorado are of particular interest due to trees killed in the recent bark beetle epidemic.
Many forests are left with high numbers of dead trees that are now fuel in the event of a fire. In the
event of a wildfire, groundwater systems could be affected by post-fire runoff events. These events
could affect well operations and groundwater aquifers. Surface water systems could be affected more
directly by an active fire damaging water system infrastructure. These systems could also be affected
during post-fire runoff through flooding.
Some water systems in the FRSWPP are more vulnerable to wildfire threats than others. The surface
water intakes and water treatment facilities of Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1, Winter
Park Water and Sanitation, and Denver Water are in evergreen forest areas where the risk of an active
wildfire is of particular note. Post fire runoff events are of concern to the surface water intake of the
Granby North Service Area. Coordination with the US Forest Service is an ongoing process needed to
reduce the risk of wildfire and to manage resources in the event of a fire for these water systems.
Flooding - Moderate Priority – Spring floods from annual snowmelt are a threat to some of the water
providers of the FRSWPP. While spring floods are an expected event annually, other floods resulting
from extreme weather events or post-fire runoff are also possible. Flooding is more of a threat to
surface water providers as it may damage their intake systems. Well based providers may still be
affected by a flood but not in the same manner.
Annual high flow in the Fraser River at Tabernash averages approximately 900 cfs. High flow typically
occurs in the month of June. Predicting annual high flow events based on snowpack is the first step in
protecting water supply infrastructure.
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Road Maintenance – Moderate Priority - Highway and road spills could be a serious concern to the
FRSWPP. An overturned tanker truck could quickly affect water supplies. In the event of a spill, CDOT
authorizes the cleanup operations. Spills are remediated to CDPHE and EPA standards. Remediation
requires a special use permit on the part of the responsible party. A 24 hour hotline is available through
CDPHE to report or get information about hazardous spills (1-877-518-5608). Once cleanup is complete,
a Letter of Closure is drafted.
Traction sand is the primary means of road maintenance in winter months at Berthoud Pass on US
Highway 40. Due to its proximity to the upper Fraser River, limiting the amount of sediment that makes
its way into streams is a concern to the FRSWPP. The CDOT estimates that they use 339 tons of sand
and gravel per mile per year. They remove sand and gravel from roadsides in non-winter months and
during construction projects. The Fraser River also has a settling pond located at Denver Water’s
diversion structure to collect sand and gravel so that it doesn’t make its way downstream or into the
Fraser Canal. In the fall, sand and gravel is removed from this pond. Approximately 550 to 690 tons of
sand and gravel are removed each year. CDOT is also in the beginning phases of creating a Sediment
Control Action Plan to assess and manage road sediment on Berthoud Pass.
Security, Vandalism, and Terrorism – Moderate Priority - Security and vandalism are threats to the
infrastructure of the FRSWPP. Acts of vandalism such as graffiti or minor tampering may only result in
minor damages or interruptions to water system operations. These acts pose little to no serious threat
to the water system operations or water supply. Acts of terrorism designed to seriously impact water
operations and supply may result in serious damage and/or cost. Many of the water systems of the
FRSWPP are being proactive and taking measures to prevent vandalism and terrorism by installing
and/or maintaining cameras and alarms.
Water Quality Monitoring – The FRSWPP identified the importance of water monitoring in Grand
County including rivers, streams, lakes, and drinking water. The FRSWPP wants assure that monitoring
continues to be a priority in the future.
Lobbying for Source Water Protection - The FRSWPP recognizes that communication between water
systems and local government is needed to effectively protect source water. The FRSWPP will
communicate with local agencies and especially Grand County to make gains in source water protection.
Recreation – A low concern to the FRSWPP is public recreation. Since many water systems are on or
near public lands, there are many users that can have impacts on source water. Trails and dispersed
camping are of particular concern to water systems in and around US Forest Service lands. Strategies
may include installing toilets at major trail heads, installing Drinking Water Protection Area signage, or
installing dog waste stations in strategic locations.
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SOURCE WATER BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
The Steering Committee reviewed and discussed several possible BMPs that could be implemented
within the SWPA to help reduce the potential risks of contamination to the community’s source water.
The Steering Committee established a “common sense” approach in identifying and selecting the most
feasible source water management activities to implement locally. The BMPs were obtained from
multiple sources including: Environmental Protection Agency, Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other SWPPs.
The Steering Committee recommends the group level BMPs listed in the following table be considered
for implementation. The individual water system level BMPs are found in the following tables.
Funds from the CDPHE grants will be used to implement BMPs identified in this plan.
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Table 13: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for all 8 water systems of the FRSWPP as a group.
PSOCs and/or
Issues of Concern Priority FRSWPP Group Best Management Practices
Lack of Emergency
Communication Protocol (covers
roads and railroad –
transportation)
Very High
• Create a phone tree for emergency notification. Then make sure that the head(s) of
the FRSWPP phone tree is in the CodeRED notification system for redundancy
• As a group, contact information is reviewed annually. Throughout the year, each
entity is responsible for updating contact information.
• At the annual update of the phone tree, review the distribution of the phone tree.
• As a group, lobby the Union Pacific Railroad to take measures to protect our SWPAs
by identifying our Emergency Communication Protocol in their Hazardous Materials
Emergency Response Plan.
• Share maps, shapefiles, and contact information with USFS, CDOT, Grand County,
and local dispatch and encourage them to incorporate this information in their
emergency planning.
Outreach and Education PSOCs
(fire, septic systems,
pharmaceuticals, dispersed
camping, dog waste, spill
reporting, reporting issues with
the railroad, etc.)
High
• Partner with the US Forest Service, Grand County, Denver Water, and other entities
on Education and Outreach campaign for the area.
• Potentially utilize Denver Water’s Public Affairs department and /or contract with a
professional to develop several pieces of education and outreach tools to educate
the public on source water protection for the FRSWPP. This could include a poster,
card to insert in water bill, brochure, water bottles, website, posters at ski resorts,
etc.
• Order 56 signs through CDPHE and put up signage and detailed information at
kiosks in strategic location (7 signs for each of the 8 water systems).
• Integrate a source water protection booth at one or more of the local festivals,
farmers market, water festivals at local schools, etc.
Forest Land (Wildfire) High • Potentially utilize existing template when it becomes available to create wildfire
prioritization of critical infrastructure in the area.
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• Provide a copy of the final SWPP, along with GIS shapefiles of the SWPA, to US
Forest Service, BLM, the local Fire Protection District, and the Grand County Office
of Emergency Management for consideration during fire suppression as well as
when planning and implementing wild land fire mitigation projects.
• Participate in the Local Emergency Planning Committee and other local planning
efforts for Wildfire response and post fire mitigation.
• Share FRSWPP contact list and maps/shapefiles of the SWPAs, wells, and intakes
with the Grand County Office of Emergency Management and commit to update it
annually.
• Encourage your respective town governments to adopt the SWPP into their local
Emergency Plan to help secure funding for the water system if/when an emergency
event occurs.
Flooding
Moderate
• Participate in the Local Emergency Planning Committee and other local planning
efforts for Wildfire response and post fire mitigation.
• Make sure that extreme weather events are part of the Event Communication Tree.
Roads and Road Maintenance
Moderate
to High
• Participate in creation of the FRSWPP emergency call-down list by providing contact
information and keeping it updated. CDOT and the Colorado Department of Health
and Environment (CDPHE) have a spill reporting hotline: 1-877-518-5608.
• Work with East Grand Water Quality Board (EGWQB) to purchase spill kits to place
at strategic locations throughout the watershed.
• Coordinate with the County, US Forest Service, State Forest Service, CDOT, State,
and Local entities on the creation of a stormwater management plan.
Security, Vandalism, and
Terrorism Moderate • Create and/or maintain security systems including cameras and alarms, where
appropriate.
Water Quality Monitoring
Low
• Maintain water quality sampling programs that the (EGWQB) currently has in place
and possibly leverage Denver Water water quality sampling to maintain baseline
data
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Lobbying for Source Water
Protection
Low
• As a group, lobby specific organizations and agencies (County, etc.) to make gains in
Source Water Protection
• As a group, enter into a MOU with the County to recognize source water protection
efforts.
Recreation
Low
• Install Drinking Water Protection Area signs at strategic locations throughout the
SWPA.
• As a group, consider pooling resources to install a vault toilet at a strategic location.
• Create a program where a local business could sponsor a trailhead to have a toilet
and dumpster installed.
• As a group, consider installing dog waste stations at strategic locations throughout
the area.
• Share maps and GIS layers with other public land agencies to more fully understand
patterns of recreation and land use.
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Table 14: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Moraine Park.
PSOCs and/or
Issues of Concern Priority Moraine Park Best Management Practices
Security and
Vandalism
1-H • Remain vigilant to recognize if/when vandalism/tampering occurs.
• Explore the feasibility of adding security fencing at the South Wellhead and the more vulnerable water
system facilities.
• Share SWPP and maps with local Police Department and request regular patrol of the area.
Backflow Prevention
and Cross
Contamination
2-H • Require Moraine Park customers to have a backflow prevention device if they have a domestic water
well.
Residential Issues 3-H • Work with the FRSWPP to create an education and outreach brochure to distribute to residents within
the SWPA.
Roads 4-H • Approach County Commissioners to request that stormwater ditches be installed in Moraine Park.
Airport Operations 5-M • Meet with airport operations to share SWPP and maps, and emergency notification card on who to call
if an issue ever arises.
Private Wells 6-M • Remain vigilant to recognize if/when issues occur near a well.
• Work with the FRSWPP to create an education and outreach brochure to distribute to active well
owners within the SWPA.
Gravel Pit Operations 7-M • Meet with the gravel pit company to share SWPP and maps, and emergency notification card on who
to call if an issue ever arises.
Underground Fuel
Tanks
8-M • Meet with the gas stations to share SWPP and maps, and emergency notification card on who to call if
an issue ever arises.
Grazing and
Agriculture
9-M • Consider implementing raw water quality testing to track any potential effects on the source water.
• Maintain awareness of potential impacts on the source waters from agriculture/grazing and contact
Mark Volt, District Conservationist, with any concerns about the practices of a private landowner so
that he can reach out to the landowner.
• Collaborate with the NRCS and Middle Park Conservation District to integrate source water protection
in future education workshops for private landowners.
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Middle Park High
School Bus Barn
10-L • Meet with the East Grand School District Bus Barn to share SWPP and maps, and emergency
notification card on who to call if an issue ever arises.
Septic Systems 11-L • Work with the FRSWPP to create an education and outreach brochure to distribute to septic system
owners within the SWPA.
• Maintain awareness to spot a problem when it arises, and get involved in any future permitting
processes when they occur.
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Table 15: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Granby North Service Area.
PSOCs and/or
Issues of Concern Priority Granby North Service Area Best Management Practices
Railroad 1-H • Participate in creation of the FRSWPP emergency call-down list by providing contact information
for the Town and keeping it updated.
• Share maps, shapefiles, and contact information with local emergency dispatch and the Grand
County Office of Emergency Management to help expedite the notification process when an
emergency occurs related to the railroad. UPRR’s emergency spill/leak hotline is 1-888-UPRR-COP
(877-7267).
Forest Land (Wildfire) 2-H • Provide a copy of the final SWPP along with GIS shapefiles of the SWPA to US Forest Service, BLM,
the local Fire Protection District, and the Grand County Office of Emergency Management for
consideration during fire suppression as well as when planning and implementing wild land fire
mitigation projects.
• Consider installing Hach Source Water Monitoring Panel at intake to continuously monitor the
quality of incoming source water to detect any impacts from wildfire in the SWPA.
Security/Vandalism 3-H • Remain vigilant to recognize if/when vandalism/tampering occurs.
• Explore the feasibility of adding motion activated security lights and security cameras on the intake
and the adjacent bridge.
• Share SWPP and maps with local Police Department and request regular patrol of the area.
Golf Courses 4-M • Meet with golf course administrative staff to raise awareness about source water protection and
distribute Emergency Notification Cards.
• Encourage and support the golf course’s current BMPs.
o Work with the Fraser Valley Municipal Recreation District and Granby Ranch to help follow
all rules and regulations pertaining to the Colorado Pesticide Applicators’ Act (C.R.S. Article
10 of Title 35).
o The FVMRD employs certified public pesticide applicators on staff
o All chemicals are stored in a chemical shed with a spill proof floor
o Products used on site are EPA registered, safe to humans and wildlife, and break down
immediately.
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o The golf course design includes vegetative buffers adjacent to surface waters on the golf
course and slow down and filter run-off.
o Operations include bulk fertilization of fairways, rough, and tee boxes twice a year. This
activity is contracted out.
• The FVMRD sanitary septic system is inspected annually and meets Grand County regulations.
Flooding 5-M o Ensure that the Town maintains an adequate supply of sand and sand bags to manage a
flood event.
Fuel Storage Tanks 6-M • Work with the FRSWPP to create an education and outreach brochure to distribute to property
owners within the SWPA with a fuel storage tank onsite.
• Meet with the gas stations to share SWPP, maps, and emergency notification card on who to call if
a spill ever occurs or an issue arises.
Weed Control 7-M • Meet with CDOT, Railroad and County to share SWPP, maps, and emergency notification card on
who to call if a spill or issue resulting from weed control were to occur.
Emergency Backup
Power
8-M • Work to upgrade water treatment plant to accept a portable generator that could power the plant
during a power outage.
Grazing and
Agriculture
9-L • Consider implementing raw water quality testing to track any potential effects on the source water.
• Maintain awareness of potential impacts on the source waters from agriculture/grazing and contact
Mark Volt, District Conservationist, with any concerns about the practices of a private landowner so
that he can reach out to the landowner.
• Collaborate with the NRCS and Middle Park Conservation District to integrate source water
protection in future education workshops for private landowners.
Commercial
Industrial
10-L • Work with the FRSWPP to create an education and outreach brochure to distribute to businesses
within the SWPA.
Permitted
Wastewater
Dischargers
11-L • Rely on current enforcement of regulations.
• Meet with permitted wastewater dischargers to raise awareness about source water protection
and to distribute emergency notification cards on who to call if any issues arise or violations occur.
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Table 16: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Granby South Service Area.
PSOCs and/or Issues of
Concern Priority Granby South Service Area Best Management Practices
Lack of Emergency
Communication Protocol
1-H • Participate in creation of the FRSWPP emergency call-down list by providing contact
information for the Town and keeping it updated.
Railroad 2-H • Participate in creation of the FRSWPP emergency call-down list by providing contact
information for the Town and keeping it updated.
• Share maps, shapefiles, and contact information with local emergency dispatch and the
Grand County Office of Emergency Management to help expedite the notification process
when an emergency occurs related to the railroad. UPRR’s emergency spill/leak hotline is 1-
888-UPRR-COP (877-7267).
Terrorism 3-H • Participate in creation of the FRSWPP emergency call-down list by providing contact
information and keeping it updated.
• Remain vigilant to recognize if/when vandalism/tampering occurs.
• Explore the feasibility of adding additional security measures at the more vulnerable water
system facilities.
• Share SWPP and maps with local Police Department and request regular patrol of the area.
Wildfire 4-M • Participate in creation of the FRSWPP emergency call-down list by providing contact
information and keeping it updated.
• Utilize existing template when it becomes available to create WFDSS prioritization of critical
South Service Area infrastructure in the area and submit to WFDSS for use by the incident
commander.
• Continue to monitor water quality during a fire event to detect impacts to source water.
• Secure impoundments and intakes
• Evaluate need for a temporary interconnect for all of Granby.
• Continue to maintain defensible space around all water system structures.
• Provide a copy of the final SWPP along with GIS shapefiles of the SWPA to the local Police
Department for consideration during fire suppression as well as when planning and
implementing wild land fire mitigation projects.
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Fuel Storage Tanks 5-M • Install Drinking Water Protection Area signs at strategic locations throughout the SWPA.
Stormwater 6-L • When feasible, the Town will begin to align current Town goals with potential future MS4
regulations.
• Participate in the permitting process when possible.
Golf Courses 7-L • Meet with Granby Ranch and Grand Elk golf courses administrative staff to raise awareness
about source water protection and distribute Emergency Notification Cards.
• Encourage and support the golf course’s current BMPs.
o Work with the Fraser Valley Municipal Recreation District, Granby Ranch, and Grand
Elk to help follow all rules and regulations pertaining to the Colorado Pesticide
Applicators’ Act (C.R.S. Article 10 of Title 35).
o The FVMRD employs certified public pesticide applicators on staff,
o All chemicals are stored in a chemical shed with a spill proof floor,
o Products used on site are EPA registered, safe to humans and wildlife, and break
down immediately.
o The golf course design includes vegetative buffers adjacent to surface waters on the
golf course and slow down and filter run-off.
o Operations include bulk fertilization of fairways, rough, and tee boxes twice a year.
This activity is contracted out.
• The FVMRD sanitary septic system is inspected annually and meets Grand County regulations.
Agriculture and Grazing 8-L o Maintain awareness of potential impacts on the source waters from
agriculture/grazing.
Recreation 9-L • Create an outreach program that may include water system tours and educational materials.
Septic Systems 10-L • Maintain awareness to spot a problem when it arises, and get involved in any future permitting
processes when they occur.
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Table 17: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for the Town of Fraser.
PSOCs and/or Issues
of Concern Priority Town of Fraser Best Management Practices
Future
Development/Aquifer
Depletion
1-H
• Continue to maintain awareness of any activities that take place in the Town’s SWPA and get
involved as appropriate with anything that has the potential to affect water quantity and water
quality.
• Maintain an awareness of present and future water right proceedings and participate in these
proceedings in opposition.
Security/Vandalism 2-H • Remain vigilant to recognize if/when vandalism/tampering occurs.
• Explore the feasibility of adding video surveillance at the more vulnerable water system
facilities.
• Share SWPP and maps with local Police Department and request regular patrol of the area.
Railroad 3-M • Participate in creation of the FRSWPP emergency call-down list by providing contact
information for the Town and keeping it updated.
• Share maps, shapefiles, and contact information with local emergency dispatch and the Grand
County Office of Emergency Management to help expedite the notification process when an
emergency occurs related to the railroad. UPRR’s emergency spill/leak hotline is 1-888-UPRR-
COP (877-7267).
Commercial/Industrial 4-M • Work with the FRSWPP to create an education and outreach brochure to distribute to
businesses within the SWPA.
Flooding 5-M • Ensure that the Town maintains an adequate supply of sand and sand bags to manage a flood
event.
Fuel Storage Tanks 6-M • Work with the FRSWPP to create an education and outreach brochure to distribute to property
owners within the SWPA with a fuel storage tank onsite.
Stormwater 7-M • When feasible, the Town will begin to align current Town goals with potential future MS4
regulations.
Residential Activities 8-M • Work with the FRSWPP to create an education and outreach brochure to distribute to
homeowners within the SWPA.
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• Install Drinking Water Protection Area signs at strategic locations throughout the SWPA.
Structure Fire 9-L • Provide the local fire department with maps of the SWPA. This will better equip them to
implement appropriate protocols to prevent groundwater contamination from structure fire
runoff that occurs near the Town wells.
Septic
Systems/Cisterns
10-L • Maintain awareness to spot a problem when it arises, and get involved in any future permitting
processes when they occur.
Recreation 11-L • Maintain the Town’s current pet waste program that is already being implemented.
Pasture and Hay 12-L • Maintain awareness of potential impacts on the source waters from agriculture/grazing and
contact Mark Volt, District Conservationist, with any concerns about the practices of a private
landowner so that he can reach out to the landowner.
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Table 18: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Winter Park Ranch Water and Sanitation.
PSOCs and/or Issues
of Concern Priority Winter Park Ranch Water and Sanitation Best Management Practices
Flooding 1-H • Ensure that the District maintains an adequate supply of Quick Dam flood management tools
to manage a flood event.
• Install a pitless wellhead and change elevation of well house at Well #4.
Forest Land (Wildfire) 2-H • Participate in creation of the FRSWPP emergency call-down list by providing contact
information and keeping it updated.
• Provide a copy of the final SWPP along with GIS shapefiles of the SWPA to US Forest Service,
BLM, the local Fire Protection District, and the Grand County Office of Emergency
Management for consideration during fire suppression as well as when planning and
implementing wild land fire mitigation projects.
Security/Vandalism 3-M • Remain vigilant to recognize if/when vandalism/tampering occurs.
• Install Drinking Water Protection Area signs at strategic locations throughout the SWPA.
• Share SWPP and maps with local Police Department and request regular patrol of the area.
Railroads 4-M • Participate in creation of the FRSWPP emergency call-down list by providing contact
information and keeping it updated.
• Share maps, shapefiles, and contact information with local emergency dispatch and the Grand
County Office of Emergency Management to help expedite the notification process when an
emergency occurs related to the railroad. UPRR’s emergency spill/leak hotline is 1-888-UPRR-
COP (877-7267).
Storage Tanks 5-M • Work with the FRSWPP to create an education and outreach brochure to distribute to property
owners within the SWPA with an unregulated fuel storage tank onsite.
Commercial/Industrial 6-M • Work with the FRSWPP to create an education and outreach brochure to distribute to
businesses within the SWPA.
Future Development 7-M • Continue to maintain awareness of any activities that take place in the District’s SWPA and get
involved as appropriate with anything that has the potential to affect water quantity and
water quality.
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• Maintain an awareness of present and future water right proceedings and participate in these
proceedings in opposition.
Stormwater 8-M • Remain vigilant to recognize if/when stormwater issues occur.
• Install a pitless wellhead and change elevation of well house at Well #4 to minimize risk to
source waters from Safeway Parking lot.
Private Wells 9-L • Work with the FRSWPP to create an education and outreach brochure to distribute to active
well owners within the SWPA.
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Table 19: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1.
PSOCs and/or Issues of
Concern Priority Grand County Water and Sanitation District #1 Best Management Practices
Forest Land (Wildfire) 1-H • Investigate mitigation opportunities at the headgates/intakes to prevent post-fire
sedimentation.
• Utilize existing template when it becomes available to create WFDSS prioritization of
critical GCWSD#1infrastructure in the area and access to GCWSD#1 infrastructure, and
submit to WFDSS.
• Work with USFS to attempt to maintain defensible space around water treatment
plant.
• Attempt to collaborate with the USFS to remove trees along access road to water
treatment plants that may fall across road during a fire event.
• Provide a copy of the final SWPP along with GIS shapefiles of the SWPA to US Forest
Service, BLM, the local Fire Protection District, and the Grand County Office of
Emergency Management for consideration during fire suppression as well as when
planning and implementing wild land fire mitigation projects.
Flooding 2-H • The GCWSD#1 will develop an internal flood preparation and flood response plan to
better equip them.
Security/Vandalism/Terrorism 3-H • Remain vigilant to recognize if/when vandalism/tampering occurs.
• Explore the feasibility of adding additional security measures at the more vulnerable
water system facilities.
• Share SWPP and maps with local Police Department and request regular patrol of the
area.
Recreation 4-H • Work with the US Forest Service to install a vaulted toilet in high traffic area.
• Work with the USFS to develop a no impact or low impact area around the intakes to
avoid camping at the intakes.
• Work with USFS on their investigation into methods that would control dispersed
camping in the area.
• Patrol and maintain awareness of any illegal dumping in the area.
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Abandoned Mines 5-M • Rely on Denver Water, DRMS, and USFS to monitor and remediate any issues that may
arise from abandoned mines in the SWPA.
Fuel Storage Tanks 6-L • Investigate how many and the type of fuel storage tanks that are located at the ski
area. Meet with ski area operations to share SWPP and maps, and emergency
notification card on who to call if storage tank spill event were to occur.
Ski Resort Operations 7-L • Meet with operations to share SWPP, maps, and emergency notification card on who
to call if a contamination incident near a private well were to ever occur.
Weed Control 8-L • Meet with ski resort operations, Denver Water, and USFS to share SWPP, maps, and
emergency notification card on who to call if a spill or issue resulting from weed
control were to occur.
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Table 20: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Winter Park Water and Sanitation District.
PSOCs and/or Issues of
Concern Priority Winter Park Water and Sanitation District Best Management Practices
Lack of Emergency Backup
Power
1-H • Work to upgrade water treatment plant to accept a portable generator that could
power the plant during a power outage.
Security/Vandalism 2-H • Remain vigilant to recognize if/when vandalism/tampering occurs.
• Explore the feasibility of adding additional security measures (intrusion alarms, armor
tanks better, padlock on hatches, security cameras) at the more vulnerable water
system facilities.
• Share SWPP and maps with local Police Department and ski area security and request
regular patrol of the area.
Terrorism 3-H • Remain vigilant to recognize if/when vandalism/tampering occurs.
• Explore the feasibility of adding additional security measures (intrusion alarms, armor
tanks better, padlock on hatches, security cameras) at the more vulnerable water
system facilities.
• Share SWPP and maps with local Police Department ski area security and request
regular patrol of the area.
• Request that Denver Water notify WPWSD of any security threats that they might
notice.
Forest Land (Wildfire) 4-M • Consider utilizing existing template when it becomes available to create WFDSS
prioritization of critical WPWSD infrastructure and the access to it, and submit to
WFDSS for use by the incident commander.
• Provide a copy of the final SWPP along with GIS shapefiles of the SWPA to US Forest
Service, BLM, the local Fire Protection District, and the Grand County Office of
Emergency Management for consideration during fire suppression as well as when
planning and implementing wild land fire mitigation projects.
Sediment 5-M • Continue to work with CDOT on the Berthoud Pass Sediment Control Action Plan to
ensure success of the BMPs identified in the SCAP, such as the creation of sediment
pond(s) and the regular maintenance of the sediment pond(s).
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• Maintain communication with Denver Water operators, CDOT, and City of Thornton
when things are being done that increase sediment, so that WPWSD can shut off
intakes and let it flow by.
Flooding 6-M • Ensure that the District maintains an adequate supply of sand and sand bags to
manage a flood event.
Fuel Storage Tanks 7-L • Meet with CDOT shop to share SWPP and maps, and emergency notification card on
who to call if an issue ever arises.
Weed Control 8-L • Meet with USFS, CDOT, and County to share SWPP and maps, and emergency
notification card on who to call if an issue ever arises.
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Table 21: Potential Contaminant Sources and Issues of Concern Prioritization Table for Denver Water.
PSOCs and/or Issues of
Concern Priority Best Management Practices
Forest Land (Wildfire) 1-H • Continue implementation of the From Forests-to-Faucets program with the Arapaho &
Roosevelt National Forest, and rely on contracts with Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS)
to maintain forest health on Denver Water lands.
Roads 2-H • Continue to work with CDOT on the Berthoud Pass Sediment Control Action Plan to ensure
success of the BMPs identified in the SCAP, such as the creation of sediment pond(s) and
the regular maintenance of the sediment pond(s).
• Denver Water will consider the roads that would dictate how a spill could be diverted in
Denver Water's Emergency Plan.
Security/Vandalism 3-M • Remain vigilant to recognize if/when vandalism/tampering occurs and increase patrol at
some water system facilities.
Flooding 4-M • Work to improve watershed and forest health through the From Forest-to-Faucets
Partnership by increasing landscape resiliency to flooding and reducing erosion.
Terrorism 5-L • Remain vigilant to recognize if/when vandalism/tampering occurs and increase patrol at
some water system facilities.
Ski Resort Operations 6-VL • Rely on BMPs in place under the USFS special use permits, and develop Emergency
Communication protocol if an issue arises.
Weed Control 7-VL • Rely on the BMPs being utilized under the USFS Integrated Pest Management Plan.
Fuel Storage Tanks 8-VL • Compile an inventory of fuel storage tanks within the SWPA, and develop emergency
communication protocol to be used if a spill occurs or an issue arises.
Hazardous Waste 9-VL • Compile an inventory of hazardous waste within the SWPA and develop emergency
communication protocol to be used if an issue arises.
Grazing 10-VL • Adopt additional grazing BMP's as part of grazing leases within Denver Water’s SWPA.
Research the BMPs that the US Forest Service has incorporated into the US Forest Service
grazing leases and potentially model Denver Water BMPs after them.
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Recreation 11-VL • Work to improve watershed and forest health projects through the From Forest-to-Faucets
Partnership for erosion control.
• Work with the FRSWPP to create an education and outreach program within the FRSWPP
SWPA.
Permitted Wastewater
Dischargers
12-VL • Compile an inventory of permitted wastewater dischargers within the SWPA and develop
emergency communication protocol to be used if an issue arises.
Abandoned Mines 13-VL • There are currently no water quality impacts from mines at this time. Denver Water
regularly monitors and takes samples two times per year and will continue monitoring.
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EVALUATING EFFECTIVENESS OF SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PLAN
The FRSWPP is committed to evaluating the effectiveness of the various source water BMPs that have
been implemented. The purpose of evaluating the effectiveness is to determine if the various source
water BMPs are being achieved, and if not, what adjustments to the SWPP will be taken in order to
achieve the intended outcomes. It is further recommended that this Plan be reviewed at a frequency of
once every year or if circumstances change resulting in the development of new water sources and
SWPAs, or if new risks are identified.
The FRSWPP is committed to a mutually beneficial partnership with the Colorado Department of Public
Health and Environment in making future refinements to their source water assessment and to revise
the SWPP accordingly based on any major refinements.
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REFERENCES
Apodaca L. et al. (1998). Ground-Water-Quality Assessment of Selected Wells in the Fraser River
Watershed, Colorado, August 1998. U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division.
Bauch, Nancy J. and Bails, Jeffrey B. (2004). Water-Quality Characteristics and Ground-Water Quantity of
the Fraser River Watershed, Grand County, Colorado, 1998-2001. U.S. Geological Survey, Reston,
Virginia.
Garner E. and Akers Chris. (2017). Population and Economic Trends for Grand County. Colorado
Department of Local Affairs.
Ground Water Protection Council. (2008). Ground Water Report to the Nation: A Call to Action.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Ground Water Protection Council.
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APPENDICES4
A. Contingency Plan
B. CDPHE Source Water Assessment Report and Appendices
C. PSOC Prioritization Worksheets for Each Water System
D. Table A-1 Discrete Contaminant Types
E. Table A-2 Discrete Contaminant Types (SIC Related)
F. Table B-1 Dispersed Contaminant Types
G. Table C-1 Contaminants Associated with Common PSOC’s
H. MOU Between CDPHE and U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region
I. Water-Quality Characteristics and Ground-Water Quantity of the Fraser River Watershed, Grand
County, Colorado, 1998-2001
J. Town of Fraser Water Supply Protection District Maps
K. UPRR Emergency Contact Sheet
L. Region 3 Procedure for Hazardous Substance Incidents Within CDOT Right of Way
M. Berthoud Pass Sediment Control Action Plan
N. East Grand Fire Protection District No. 4 CWPP Update
O. Grand County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
P. Grand County DNR – Home Landscape Care and Its Effect on Water Quality
Q. Grand County – All-Hazards Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan
R. Grand County Master Plan
4 Notice: This public document does not include appendices that may be sensitive to the safety and operation of the individual public water
system. Appendices marked with an “*” are only included in the public water system’s report or kept on file at their office. All other documents
are included on the CD located in the back pocket of this report. All documents can be reprinted.