"Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs is located right at the source. Water flows through an elaborate network of streams, rivers, lakes, treatment plants, and pipelines. It can be accessed through the simple turn of a tap.

But living at the headwaters of a major Western river system does not equal water security for all.

“There’s not public water everywhere you go and … sometimes, there’s different situations for different folks, especially in Southwest Colorado,” explained Jordan Caler.

Southwest Colorado includes two tribal nations — the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute — the City of Durango and the towns of Pagosa Springs, Bayfield, Silverton, Telluride, Norwood, Cortez, and Dove Creek. Approximately a quarter of this region consists of rural water users who use domestic water via wells, non-community water systems, water hauling, surface water diversions, or a combination of these methods. "

Christi Bode reports for Aspen Public Radio October 25, 2023. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Federal Officials Say Plan For Water Cuts From 3 Western States Is Enough To Protect Colorado River" (AP) [3]