City of Imperial

The City of Imperial obtains its water supply from the Colorado River via the All American Canal and the facilities of the Imperial Irrigation District. The surface water undergoes "complete" treatment, including sedimentation, coagulation, flocculation, filtration, and disinfection processes. Currently, the City delivers approximately 2.5 million gallons daily, totaling about 860 million gallons annually to residents.

The City of Imperial currently meets all applicable State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Municipal Water, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards. However, the raw water received from the All American Canal exceeded standards for aluminum and iron. Water quality data for the reporting period ending December 31, 2017, is included, with recent data available upon request.

Important Health Information: Certain individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems—such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly persons, and infants—may face increased infection risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their municipal water consumption. Guidelines from the U.S. EPA/CDC on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

1. Where does Roxborough's water come from?
   Roxborough's water originates from Rocky Mountain snowmelt and rainfall through an Agreement with Aurora. This Agreement allows the District to purchase an allocated quantity of untreated water annually for ninety years, with automatic renewals. The District processes this surface water locally before distributing it to the community year-round.
2. How does the raw water reach Roxborough?
   Aurora owns a diversion pipe at Strontia Springs Reservoir (located 6 miles up Waterton Canyon on the South Platte River). From there, water travels to Aurora Rampart Reservoir near the Roxborough State Park Fire Station entrance. The District then transports its allocated untreated water via underground pipeline to its treatment facility for purification.
3. Why does Roxborough use surface water?
   Since the development's inception, groundwater wasn't viable, leading Roxborough to purchase raw surface water from Aurora.
4. Does the District utilize groundwater?
   No groundwater is used; the District exclusively uses surface water through its Agreement with Aurora.
5. Who regulates water quality?
   The District's certified water professionals regularly monitor, test, and ensure water quality meets Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment standards, the state's regulatory agency for water quality.
6. Is fluoride added to the water?
   The District doesn't add fluoride to water, though naturally occurring fluoride exists in the raw water supply. Annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) detail treatment and distribution information, available to customers by July 1 annually and on the website.
7. What data determines water rates?
   Staff and consultants annually review previous year costs and revenues for the Board of Directors, who decide if rates should change. All meetings are public, with rate studies available at the District office.
8. What might cause increased water consumption?
   Higher usage often results from leaks inside or outside homes. Common indoor leaks include dripping faucets or leaky toilets. Test toilets with leak detector tablets or food coloring in the tank; color appearing in the bowl indicates leakage. Outdoor leaks typically involve sprinkler systems or excessive irrigation.
9. How can I confirm a suspected leak?
   Verify by checking your meter: ensure all faucets and water-using appliances are off, keep the master valve open, and check your meter reading. Located in basements or meter pits (in older homes), watch for clockwise movement on the small dial. Continuous movement without water use indicates a leak. District Field Technicians can assist if needed.
10. What is our water's future outlook?
    The District completed a permanent water supply agreement with Aurora in 2010, valid for ninety years with automatic renewals. This ensures a safe, high-quality, and reliable water supply for the foreseeable future.
11. Did securing permanent water supply require payment?
    Yes, a one-time $26.5 million connection fee to Aurora secured the permanent surface water supply.
12. How can I maintain my lawn while conserving water?
    Water early morning to reduce evaporation, use sprinklers that produce large droplets for efficient irrigation, and plant drought-resistant vegetation to minimize water requirements. More conservation tips are available on our dedicated page.
13. How will future drought conditions affect watering restrictions?
    Since Aurora supplies Roxborough's water, our drought response aligns with their management approach.