By Ava Garcia
Why This Matters
Water issues have long been front-of-mind in Paonia. Aging pipelines, unreliable sources, and the need for guaranteed access all play big roles in residents’ daily lives. The town is now investing heavily to modernize water infrastructure and protect public health.
Major Projects in Progress
Phase 1 Water Rebuild
This includes relining the 2-million-gallon treated-water tank, replacing the failing West Loop pipe, and installing meters at the spring sources. These upgrades are underway now and are meant to address urgent vulnerabilities in the system. Some deadlines have been missed, especially for the tank work, triggering penalties for contractors. The West Loop replacement is being designed now and expected to go out for bids soon.
Comprehensive Water Strategy
To better align supply and demand long term, Paonia has contracted Wright Water Engineers to lead a study of the springs, watershed, and storage. Slated through September 2027, this plan will shape how water is managed from source to tap.
Sewer Work and Distribution System Enhancements
Other key efforts include replacing sewer lines on Dorris Avenue, and widely replacing steel water mains—especially along West Loop—moving lines into public rights-of-way for safety and maintenance access. New meters and upgraded fittings are also part of the mix.
Grant Funding: Who’s Helping Foot the Bill
Paonia is tapping funds from several state and federal sources. Some grants support the city’s water efficiency, others focus on wastewater or mapping infrastructure needs. For example, a project to study spring sources drew support from the Colorado River District and the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
What Residents Should Know
- The treated-water tank is temporarily unavailable; a 725,000-gallon backup is being used during relining. This can affect storage capacity and may influence pressure during peak use.
- Water main replacement work could involve road and driveway impacts, with construction disruptions expected. Old steel lines may be replaced, meters reset, and some pipe relocations may go through private yards or into public areas.
- There’s no firm date yet for total project completion. Some components are expected by late 2026, while others—especially within the broader water strategy—extend into 2027.
Challenges & Next Steps
Project delays and missed deadlines have raised concerns over contractor accountability. Limited capacity at older plants, potential funding gaps, and ensuring adequate communication with residents during disruptions are also at issue. Town leadership says public updates will continue via meeting minutes, notices of work, and engineering reports. A critical upcoming moment will be when proposed projects move from design into construction—for example, the West Loop pipe and raw-water metering installations. Your input during public hearings and board meetings can make a difference.
How You Can Stay Involved
Attend Paonia Town Board meetings, keep up with the grants tracker, and review project plans when they’re made public. Paonia’s growth and resilience depend not just on engineers, but on community voices.