The Water and Wastewater departments together comprise the Water Activity Enterprise. Under the Water Activity Law and the Colorado Constitution, it has authority, powers, rights, obligations and duties of a separate legal entity from the general operations of the city.
Also see The Salida Utilities page, which includes more information for our water and sewer customers.
Water Plant
The Water Plant Manager is responsible for the treatment and delivery of all water to the city water system. The city water system is required to meet stringent water quality control standards that are implemented and enforced by the Colorado Department of Health. These standards include daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual testing of certain parameters for each water source. Salida has three water sources, which constitute three separate treatment and pumping facilities.
The Water Plant Manager supervises all phases of treatment and maintenance and is also responsible for all daily, weekly and monthly accounting, and storage of Salida’s excess water credits. Plant personnel are responsible for ensuring that the water treatment facility, equipment, storage tanks and pump station are properly maintained and repaired. The grounds on all three sites are also maintained by plant personnel.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
The Wastewater Treatment Plant operates under a permit from the State of Colorado to treat waste from Salida, and Poncha Springs, as well as all septic waste from the surrounding area. Plant personnel are responsible for all plant operations, maintenance, and monitoring of the facility. The plant also provides laboratory services for the surrounding area. The Wastewater Plant Manager supervises the facililty, including the laboratory, biosolids process, and maintenance of the facility.