Home Page

BUDGET AND RATE HEARING - DECEMBER 8, 2025 AT NOON

The Colorado Division of Water Resources required that subdivisions created after 1972 had to replace a portion of water used from their wells each year by putting that water (augmentation) back into the area water supply. The three reservoirs located along Highway 73 near the main entrance to Evergreen Meadows were created for that reason. They hold enough required water for each household well drilled in Evergreen Meadows Units 8, 9, and 10 and Unit 5 in Evergreen Highlands.  Because these units were platted after 1972, they are subject to the above mandate. If our reservoirs are not in compliance with the Colorado Division of Water Resources, then our wells might be shut down. 

Water Rights Protection:  Protecting our water rights requires constant vigilance. Developers and other water districts sometimes challenge our water rights. When a challenge occurs, the Board must then hire attorneys and water engineers to defend our rights.

Well Water Usage:  Our water augmentation plan is a 2-part plan.  The first part is the operation and maintenance of the reservoirs for well usage. The second part is the explanation of well usage.

A number of residents in our water district have asked about well water usage. Our district operates under a water decree that was established by the State. This decree states that our wells are for “domestic use for in-house purposes only”. Your well permit should confirm that. 

Below is an explanation directly from the Water Resources Engineer regarding water and well usage per our Water Augmentation Plan:

Permits to construct wells within Evergreen Meadows Units 8, 9, and 10 (a portion of which was replatted as the Timbers Estates) and Evergreen Highlands Unit 5 are issued pursuant to the plan for augmentation approved by the Water Court in case no. W-7540.  Wells within these subdivisions must be operated in accordance with the terms and condition of the decree in order to remain in compliance with Colorado water law.  The decree allows the use of the wells for "domestic use for in-house purposes only, not involving irrigation."  Uses that are not considered domestic use and cannot be supplied by water from a well covered under the subdivision-wide augmentation plan would include the commercial use of a property as an event venue for parties or weddings; bed and breakfasts; an onsite commercial business that has employees or customers; or the use of water in a product to be sold, such as brewing beer.  In addition, the limitation to in-house purposes only would not allow for any use of water outside of the house including for the filling or refilling of hot tubs, swimming pools, or water features; the watering of animals, such as horses, that are not pets living inside the dwelling; the washing of vehicles or equipment; or for the watering or "greening up" of lawns, gardens, trees or other plants outside the home, including in a greenhouse.  General information regarding augmentation plans, including a Beginner's Guide to Augmentation Plans for Wells, may be found on our website at https://dwr.colorado.gov/services/water-administration/augmentation-plans.  

If you need additional information about water usage that falls outside the in-house purposes only, contact: Division Engineer, Water Division 1, phone number 970-352-8712 EXT 1204 and/or Water Resources Engineer, 303-866-3581 EXT 8249.

2025 Annual Newsletter

Next Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2025 at 12 noon

Payments for the 2025 year were due in March - any payments not received by September 8, 2025 are subject to collection via a lien against your property taxes and will be discussed at the Board Meeting on that date.