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Castle Rock water update: low snowpack, potential drought and short-term switch from chloramines to chlorine
Summary
Castle Rock Water briefed the council on low South Platte snowpack and Colorado River uncertainty, and described a scheduled maintenance change from chloramine to chlorine disinfection (Feb. 2—7) that required flushing nearly 500 hydrants and 308 water-quality samples; staff said chlorine levels remain well below regulatory limits.
Mark Marlow of Castle Rock Water told the council that statewide snowpack is well below normal and the South Platte basin was at about 54 percent in the latest update. He warned the council that these conditions and unresolved interstate Colorado River discussions mean the town could face a challenging summer.
Locally, Marlow reported that Castle Rock Reservoir 2 is full and Reservoir 1 is being filled as construction finished, which provides some local resilience. He also briefed council on a maintenance-driven disinfectant change: "we're going from chloramine disinfection to chlorine disinfection" for system maintenance. He said the work began on Feb. 2 and was completed on Feb. 7, crews flushed nearly 500 fire hydrants, and staff took 308 water-quality samples. Marlow emphasized the amount of chlorine in the water "has not changed... it's about the same" and that they are operating well below the upper regulatory limit.
Council members raised concerns about odor and household impacts; Mayor Pro Tem Kaveh said she had seen social media posts and noted that the smell should dissipate and the system will continue to lower the output from plants as practical. Marlow encouraged residents to call the utility so staff can sample at home if they have concerns.
Why it matters: Low snowpack and Colorado River uncertainty may prompt drought declarations regionally; the town's water operations and any conservation measures will affect residents and landscaping decisions for the coming season.
What happens next: Castle Rock Water will monitor the water-supply index, coordinate regionally, and keep the council and residents updated on drought status and any conservation measures.
