Alma, Colorado, is actively pursuing initiatives to improve its water infrastructure, aiming to secure a sustainable and reliable water supply for its residents.
Montgomery Reservoir Expansion
Colorado Springs Utilities has proposed expanding the Montgomery Reservoir, located near Alma, to potentially double its capacity. This project is part of a broader effort to modernize aging infrastructure and better capture water that is currently going unused. The reservoir, built in 1957, is part of the Continental-Hoosier System, a transmountain network that moves water from the Blue River basin to Colorado Springs. The expansion would increase the footprint of the reservoir and raise the height of the dam, which could impact a popular recreation area near Alma. However, officials have stated that public benefits such as hiking, fishing, and off-road access will remain the same once construction is complete. The project is currently in the permitting phase, with applications for local, state, and federal approval expected this year. If approved, construction could begin as early as 2028 and continue into the early 2030s. Read more
Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade
U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen has requested $3 million in federal funding to replace Alma’s ineffective wastewater treatment lagoons with a new mechanical treatment facility. This upgrade aims to enhance local water quality, protect ecosystems, and mitigate contamination of drinking water. The funding request is part of a broader effort to address community needs, including expanding access to affordable child care and bolstering wildfire prevention efforts. Read more
Buckskin Gulch Conservation
In December 2021, the Town of Alma, in collaboration with the Alma Foundation and Colorado Open Lands, permanently conserved the 74-acre Buckskin Gulch parcel. This property includes a mile of creek frontage and 10 acres of wetlands, surrounding Alma’s water diversion and infiltration galleries. The acquisition protects the town’s drinking water supply and provides public access for recreation. The community recognized the need to acquire the land to prevent development near this critical water resource. Read more
These initiatives reflect Alma’s commitment to enhancing its water infrastructure and preserving natural resources for the benefit of the community.