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Boulder staff report improved reservoir levels and release water-quality report; no new restrictions planned
Summary
City water staff told the Water Resources Advisory Board that recent precipitation helped Silver Lake fill and possibly Barker Reservoirs, staff released a largely positive annual water-quality report, and officials do not plan to escalate from drought watch to Level 1 restrictions at this time.
City and utility staff briefed the Water Resources Advisory Board on June 15 that recent precipitation and operational management have improved storage conditions locally and that the annual water-quality report was released with generally positive findings.
Water-quality findings Megan Wilson Outfalk, Water Quality Senior Manager, said the annual report is primarily regulatory language required by state rules and that the system is ‘‘as smooth as you can be’’ under regulatory requirements. She noted some historical, technical exceedances tied to backflow-prevention program changes in previous years, but said the current report reflects compliance and the culmination of cross‑team efforts.
Invasive-species control Wilson Outfalk said the city procured a diver-assisted suction‑harvesting boat in partnership with Parks and that divers are monitoring Eurasian watermilfoil this season as a baseline year for evaluating control effectiveness; residents may see the vessel operating on reservoirs.
Local supply outlook and restrictions Staff reported that Silver Lake Reservoir spilled after recent precipitation and Barker Reservoir is likely to fill or come close to filling. Given current storage and demand trends—along with communication and conservation messaging—staff said there is no immediate need to move from the drought watch to Level 1 outdoor-water restrictions at this time, though monitoring and outreach will continue.
Next steps Staff previewed a July–September series of meetings on the Capital Improvement Program and rate discussions, with a September public hearing and a recommendation to City Council on rates expected in the fall. The board approved routine meeting minutes and adjourned.
