Our Watershed

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What is a Watershed?

A watershed is a basin that all of the water on the land's surface flows to; this includes rainwater and snow melt. The management of watersheds is extremely important because watersheds impact factors like the city's supply and quality of water, as well as infrastructure, due to stormwater flooding that can occur.

Our Watershed

The Fountain Creek Watershed, extending 927 square miles from Palmer Lake to Pueblo, is one of the most erratic watersheds in the nation. The natural settling of decomposing Pikes Peak granite, a 9,500 feet elevation change over 60 miles, and over 50 intermittently flowing creeks coupled with rapid development, two major fires in the last 5 years, and subsequent flooding, means there is much work to be done to restore and protect our watershed’s health.

Colorado Springs is a community that lacks a natural water source. 80% of our community’s water comes via pipelines from the western slope, 200 miles away. Our population is transient and we are expecting continued growth both here and throughout the state of Colorado. Water is a huge part of our everyday lives, from bathing and showering, to caring for pets and gardens, to industry and commercial uses, to recreation and agriculture. As such, we must take an active role in maintaining the health of our water supply.