Community Stewardship Update

Dear Timbers Village and Timbers Preserve Neighbors,

On behalf of the Timbers Water and Sanitation District Board, we would like to share some background on our water and sanitation district, along with a proactive update regarding water conditions as we move into the coming summer season.

Our district is a unique and valuable asset within our community. As a privately owned system, it exists solely to serve our members—each of you and your households. It represents a significant shared investment that provides both water and sewer services, an amenity that is increasingly uncommon in rural mountain  communities. The district is overseen by a volunteer board comprised of your neighbors and supported by experienced, licensed professionals who manage and maintain our water and wastewater infrastructure. Over the years, substantial investments have been made to ensure the reliability and quality of our systems:

• Our wastewater treatment facility is a modern, fully contained system—without lagoons or open holding ponds—that safely treats and returns water to McKinnis Creek. This project represented an investment of over $4 million, funded through a combination of State Revolving Fund loans, DOLA grants (Colorado's Department of Local Affairs), and other state-supported financing.
• Our water treatment plant was upgraded in 2012 at a cost of approximately $1.2 million, also supported through state funding programs.

McKinnis Creek, our district’s primary water source, is part of the Upper Colorado River Basin. In addition to the creek, our supply is supplemented by a well that provides approximately 25% of our annual usage. In total, our district uses roughly 5 million gallons of water each year. Treated water is stored in our 100,000-gallon tank located above the Timbers Preserve, ensuring reliable delivery throughout the system.

As you are aware, this winter has brought lower-than-average snowfall. While it is too early to predict the full impact on McKinnis Creek flows, we want to begin thinking ahead together—particularly for the mid-to-late summer months, when demand is highest. At this time, there is no cause for concern, and our systems remain stable. However, thoughtful and efficient water use by all members will help ensure we maintain that stability throughout the year. In the coming months, we may introduce simple conservation measures if conditions warrant.

In the meantime, we encourage all residents to take a few easy, proactive steps:

• Be mindful of outdoor irrigation and avoid unnecessary watering
• Check homes for leaks in toilets, faucets, and irrigation systems
• Limit non-essential water use where practical

These small efforts, when taken collectively, can make a meaningful difference. Our goal is to work together as a community to protect and preserve this important shared resource. Please know that the Timbers Water and Sanitation District Board is actively monitoring conditions, planning ahead, and will continue to keep you informed if conditions change. The Board is also evaluating the logistics and cost associated with installing individual water meters throughout the district as a potential long-term tool to support responsible water management. Thank you for your continued support and stewardship of the Timbers Water and Sanitation District.

Sincerely,

Timbers Water and Sanitation District Board
Michael Lomas • Jodi Lightfoot • Larry Ioffredo • Erica Fisher • Gary Osteen