Water Woes in Pinewood Springs: A Community’s Fight for Clean Tap Water

Pinewood Springs, a small town near Estes Park, has struggled with its water supply for decades. The local water district, which serves about 750 residents, has not fixed its aging pipes for a long time. As a result, the water that comes out of many homes is discolored and sometimes leaves sludge behind. Because of this, most people no longer drink tap water. Some have installed whole‑house filters or switched to bottled water.

The district was created in the 1970s and used wells until the early 2000s. When high levels of uranium were found, the wells were closed and the district began drawing water from a reservoir and the Little Thompson River. Even then, leaks in the distribution system have been a problem. An engineering report from 2000 showed that about 37 % of treated water was lost through leaks. Today, the loss is closer to 50‑60 %, meaning millions of gallons are wasted each year. In 2024 a major leak caused the system to lose pressure, and authorities issued a boil‑water advisory.

The state’s Department of Public Health ordered the district to fix its system after water quality tests repeatedly exceeded safe limits. The required repairs include replacing roughly 14,500 feet of pipe and other upgrades that will cost about $8.7 million and take two years to finish. To pay for these projects, the board raised water rates sharply. Fixed monthly fees went from $107 to over $226 in 2025, and variable charges increased as well. Even people who use very little water pay the same high monthly fee.

Many residents feel unsafe drinking their tap water. One longtime resident, who has lived in Pinewood Springs for more than 30 years, stopped drinking tap water after she developed stomach pains that doctors linked to the water. She now uses bottled water for herself and her dog. Other residents have installed expensive filters or drive to nearby towns when the water turns brown.

The district’s financial problems are compounded by a lack of experienced staff. The operator position has been outsourced, and the district struggles to keep an adequate workforce. In 2024 it contracted a consulting firm for day‑to‑day operations, and in 2025 another company was hired to manage the district’s accounting system. These changes add costs but are seen as necessary for better oversight.

The board hopes that once the pipe replacement is complete, leaks will drop and maintenance costs will fall. They also plan to seek additional state loans and grants to cover the remaining work. The goal is to end health advisories and provide reliable, safe water for all residents.