Sewer/Wastewater

The District provides sewer collection and wastewater treatment services to residents.
The Durango West 1 (DW1) and Durango West 2 (DW2) Districts jointly own the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), each holding a 50/50 share.

1977: Districts were formed and DW1 managed daily plant operations.
1992: A new plant was built to meet stricter health standards, and operations shifted to DW2.
The Districts meet once or twice per year to review operations and set annual fees.
Both Districts contribute equal funding per household into a joint operational fund.

The WWTP is located south of Highway 160, just before Lake Durango when traveling east.
The facility is a lagoon treatment plant with an unmarked dirt access road (in case anyone has noticed the ponds).
A solar power project has been approved to support the plant’s electrical needs.

2015: The Districts updated their Intergovernmental Agreement to plan for future operations and required upgrades under the Colorado Department of Health.
Water discharge standards continue to increase. Although discharge does not visibly enter Lightner Creek, the water seeps into the overall watershed.

2017: The Districts secured a $900,000 loan to complete system upgrades focused on reducing ammonia levels.
Lagoon systems struggle to meet ammonia limits during the coldest months, so the Health Department has provided a special variance permit.
While mechanical treatment plants are sometimes discussed, they would be very expensive given the Districts’ combined size of 618 taps (homes).
Advances in technology have improved performance, and the Districts remain optimistic that the lagoon system can continue operating for many years.