Title
An Ordinance Amending Part 4 (Connection and Installation of System) of Article 4 (Water Code) of Chapter 12 (Utilities) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to connection to Colorado Springs Utilities’ Water System.
Presenter:
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities
Body
Summary:
Utilities seeks to revise City Code, Chapter 12, Article 4, Part 4, “Connection and Installation of System” to address the following:
1. Clarification of customer responsibilities for installation, maintenance, repair, replacement or operation of water service lines and meter pits, and
2. Updates to meet requirements under the Lead and Copper Rules Revision program administered by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Background:
In accordance with current City Code, Utilities owns and maintains water service lines typically denoted by a valve (curb stop). The customer owns and maintains the water service line from the curb stop to the structure (excluding the water meter owned and maintained by Utilities). The proposed Ordinance clarifies and strengthens the requirements for the owner’s installation, maintenance, repair, replacement or operation of the portion of the service line they are responsible for to minimize water loss and address public health and safety concerns.
Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) have developed regulations, the Lead and Copper Rule Revision, which further strengthen the protections against lead in drinking water. The regulations require municipalities to pass ordinances that conform with certain requirements of the regulations. Based upon recent surveys of the water system, Utilities has not discovered any lead water service lines and is considered a “non-lead” status municipality. However, Utilities is required to have processes in place if a lead water service line is discovered. Revisions contained in the proposed Ordinance were made to address the requirements of the regulation including notification and replacement requirements if lead water service lines are discovered.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Financial Implications:
Utilities maintains a capital budget of $500,000 for galvanized service line replacement for Utilities’ owned portion of water service lines.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
The Utilities Board voted to have the Ordinance considered by City Council on the consent calendar for the November 19, 2025, City Council Meeting.
Stakeholder Process:
The revisions have been reviewed and approved by Utilities engineering, operations and regulatory groups, leadership, and by the City Attorney’s Office.
Alternatives:
City Council may decline to approve the Ordinance.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move for approval of the Ordinance pertaining to connection to Colorado Springs Utilities Water System.
Summary of Ordinance Language
An Ordinance amending City Code pertaining to connection to Utilities’ water system by customers that will codify Colorado Springs Utilities’ existing policies related to installation, operation, maintenance and repair of water service lines, curb stops, meter pits, and associated infrastructure to ensure compliance Colorado Springs Utilities processes and with State and Federal regulations related to lead in drinking water.