2022 Waterline Distribution Improvement & Replacement Project

Waterlines in the Waterline Improvement Project are approximately 44 years old
Currently the distribution system consists of water lines sized between 2-inch and 12-inch of varying sizes.
Water lines degrade and become brittle over time, making point repairs and new line tie-ins difficult.
Brittle pipe can break easily during general maintenance repairs which will become more frequent and expensive as the system ages.
Current system is nearing its useful lifespan of 50 years.
Pipe size in some areas is too small to carry adequate fire fighting flow (typically 1,500 gpm)
Current distribution system lacks adequate valve isolation control. During repairs or maintenance of the line, large areas of residents must be shut down for extended periods of time.
There are currently not enough fire hydrants in the Capital Improvement Area as dictated by the City of Alamosa Fire Chief. There will be 18 new hydrants installed.
Approximately 85 water meters will be replaced and updated.
Waterline Improvement & Replacement Project will improve 20% of the District’s total system, 12,627 linear feet
As water loss is also a grave concern, improvements to outdated system will significantly decrease areas of potential loss.

Alternative I – No Action
No action will leave the district’s water distribution aging and undersized with increasing frequency of water service shut offs for repair and increase maintenance and operations costs.
Alternative II – Total Pipe Replacement
Total Pipe Replacement would require considerable capital and would result in significant customer rate increases.
Alternative II – Phased Pipe Replacement
Phased Pipe Replacement involves replacing the district’s water distribution system in phases, prioritizing areas that are in greatest need of replacement. Rate increases will occur gradually and the duration of construction.

New waterlines will be constructed in the Wells subdivision and the residential area bounded by US HWY 160 to the north and west, the Rio Grande to the south, and will connect to an existing waterline in Adams Lane
Existing waterlines will be capped and abandoned
Residents will be notified in advance of construction related restrictions to driveway access and water shutoffs

Total estimated project cost of the selected Alternative is $2,980,000.
The District was awarded a $243,952.80 Design and Engineering Grant.
The District has applied for a Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Energy/Mineral Impact Award Fund (EIAF) grant of $1 Million.
State Revolving Fund Loan of approximately $1,280,000, assuming DOLA EIAF grant is awarded