Question 1

What is the purpose of this project, and does it have anything to do with new development?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of this project is to improve long-term water resiliency by using existing water shares already owned by the District in Welsh and Lonetree Reservoirs. Water from the H2 pipeline will travel through existing infrastructure to Carter Lake for treatment. Water delivered through the RFO pipeline will be returned for agricultural use in the Little Thompson River.

This project is not connected to any future housing or commercial development.

Question 2

What size pipe is being installed?

Accepted Answer

The H2 pipeline will be 18 inches in diameter. The RFO pipeline is anticipated to range between 12 and 18 inches, with final sizing determined during design.

Question 3

What types of land acquisitions are needed for the waterline project?

Accepted Answer

Two types of easements are required:
Temporary Construction Easements (TCEs)
Permanent Easements

Question 4

What is the difference between a Temporary Construction Easement and a Permanent Easement?

Accepted Answer

Temporary Construction Easement (TCE):

A TCE provides temporary access for construction and restoration. These easements typically expire about two years after construction is completed and surface restoration is finalized. TCE widths are negotiable and usually average around 50 feet, depending on project needs.

Permanent Easement:

A Permanent Easement allows the District to access, operate, and maintain the pipeline for the life of the infrastructure. Permanent easements on this project generally range between 20 and 25 feet, depending on location.

Question 5

Are the duration and size of easements negotiable?

Accepted Answer

Permanent easements remain in place for the life of the pipeline. Temporary Construction Easements may be adjusted on a property-by-property basis depending on project impacts and site conditions.

Question 6

Is compensation provided for easements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Property owners will receive compensation based on fair market value for both permanent easements and temporary construction easements.

Question 7

How will these easements affect my everyday use of my property?

Accepted Answer

Property owners will generally be able to continue using their land where permanent easements are located. However, certain restrictions apply, such as placing large trees or permanent structures (including buildings, retaining walls, or fences) over the pipeline. These restrictions help protect the pipe and allow access for maintenance or emergency repairs.

Question 8

Why are there multiple possible routes for the waterline?

Accepted Answer

Many factors influence route selection, including property impacts, willingness of property owners, design constraints, existing utilities, structures, environmental conditions, and existing easements.

Having multiple route options allows flexibility to minimize impacts and work with willing property owners whenever possible.

Question 9

What happens to my landscaping or property after construction?

Accepted Answer

Disturbed areas will be restored after construction. If landscaping or other improvements are impacted, reimbursement may be available and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Each property is evaluated individually based on documented impacts.

Question 10

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Accepted Answer

If you have questions about the project, easements, or construction impacts, please contact the project team using the telephone number listed on the website (720-577-1739) or submit an inquiry through the “Contact Us” section. We will help coordinate site-specific questions and connect you with the appropriate project team members as needed.

Question 11

How deep will the pipeline be buried?

Accepted Answer

The pipeline will typically be buried approximately 5-6 feet below ground surface, depending on location, soil conditions, and utility conflicts. Depth is designed to protect the pipeline from freezing, surface activities, and long-term wear.

Question 12

What is the expected construction timeline?

Accepted Answer

Construction timelines depend on final route selection and permitting. Once construction begins in a specific area, work in front of an individual property is typically short-term (often several weeks), followed by restoration. Property owners will receive advance notice before construction begins near their property.

Question 13

What type of construction impacts should I expect?

Accepted Answer

During construction, you may experience temporary access limitations, construction vehicle traffic, noise during work hours, and temporary disturbance and temporary disturbance of vegetation or fencing. The project team will coordinate access and restoration with property owners to minimize disruption.

Question 14

Will access to my driveway or property be maintained?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The project team will coordinate with property owners to maintain access to homes, agricultural operations, and businesses during construction. Temporary access solutions may be used when necessary.

Question 15

Will irrigation systems, wells, or drainage systems be affected?

Accepted Answer

Existing irrigation lines, private wells, and drainage features will be identified during design and field investigation. If impacts occur during construction, they will be restored to pre-construction conditions or better.

Question 16

Will this project affect my water rights?

Accepted Answer

No. This project utilizes existing water shares already owned by the District. It does not create new water rights or alter private water rights.

Water delivered through the RFO pipeline will be returned for agricultural use in the Little Thompson River, consistent with existing water operations.

Question 17

Will this increase my water rates?

Accepted Answer

This project is focused on long-term water resiliency and infrastructure reliability. Any rate impacts would be evaluated through the District’s normal budgeting and public process. Property owners will be notified of any future rate discussions through standard public channels.

Question 18

What environmental reviews are required?

Accepted Answer

The project must comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. This may include environmental permitting, wetland and stream evaluations, cultural resource review, utility coordination, and county and/or municipal approvals.

Environmental impacts are evaluated during design, and mitigation measures are incorporated as required.

Question 19

What safety measures are in place once the pipeline is operational?

Accepted Answer

The pipeline will be constructed to industry standards, pressure tested prior to operation, monitored and maintained by the District, and accessible via permanent easements for inspection and emergency repair.

Water pipelines are low-risk infrastructure and do not carry hazardous materials.

Question 20

What happens if there is a leak?

Accepted Answer

While rare, if a leak occurs, the District has procedures in place to isolate the affected section, perform repairs, and restore impacted areas.

Permanent easements ensure timely access for maintenance and emergency response.

Question 21

Can I build over the pipeline in the future?

Accepted Answer

Permanent structures (such as buildings, foundations, retaining walls, or large trees) are not allowed within the permanent easement area. However, most surface uses, including lawn, pasture, or certain fencing, are generally allowed.

Question 22

Will fencing be removed during construction?

Accepted Answer

Temporary fence removal may be necessary in some areas. Fencing will be restored after construction, and coordination will occur with property owners prior to any removal.

Question 23

What materials will the pipeline be made of?

Accepted Answer

The District’s standard material for water transmission pipelines is DR14 PVC pipe, selected for its durability, pressure rating, corrosion resistance, and long-term performance.

Question 24

How long will the pipeline last?

Accepted Answer

Water transmission pipelines are typically designed for a service life of 100 years or more, depending on material, soil conditions, and maintenance practices.

Question 25

What happens if a property owner does not want to grant an easement?

Accepted Answer

The District’s goal is to work cooperatively with property owners. Multiple route options are being evaluated to minimize impacts and work with willing participants whenever possible. The District will follow applicable laws and procedures related to public infrastructure projects.

Question 26

What notice will I receive before the District enters my property?

Accepted Answer

The type of notice depends on the purpose of access.

Before an easement is acquired: 
If surveys or design work are needed prior to obtaining an easement, the District will provide written notice in advance, consistent with applicable law. The notice will explain the purpose and scope of the requested entry, similarly to the right-of-entry letters and Permission to Enter (PTE) forms previously provided to landowners affected by the project. Property owners may indicate preferred times and notice preferences with PTE process.

After a permanent easement is granted: 
Once a permanent easement is recorded, the District has the legal right to access the easement area for construction, inspection, maintenance, or repair. For routine, non-emergency access, reasonable advance notice will be provided whenever practicable.

During construction: 
Property owners will receive advance notification before construction begins near their property. The project team will coordinate regarding access, fencing, livestock, irrigation systems, and other site-specific needs.

Emergency situations: 
If immediate access is required to address a leak or prevent damage, the District may enter the easement area without prior notice. Property owners will be notified as soon as reasonably possible. The District is responsible for restoring any disturbed areas to previous conditions or better following authorized work.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions