To ensure our community continues to have access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water, the Town of La Veta is currently constructing a new water treatment plant. While these upgrades are necessary to meet strict regulatory standards, they also bring new construction debt, higher facility utilities, increased sewer operations & maintenance (O&M) costs.

To cover these mandated infrastructure requirements and operational costs, residents will see an adjustment in their September utility bills. Here is a transparent breakdown of why these changes are happening and what we are doing to minimize the long-term impact.

1. Water Rate Increase: Infrastructure & Regulations

The construction of our new water treatment plant is a mandatory project to keep La Veta in compliance with state environmental laws. The water rate increase is driven by the following factors:

• New Water Debt: Building a modern water treatment plant is a major capital infrastructure project. The town has incurred necessary debt (loans) to fund the construction, and a portion of the rate increase will go directly toward servicing this water debt.
• CDPHE Mandated Equipment: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requires specific, advanced equipment inside the new facility to guarantee water safety.
• Increased Power & Utilities: Operating this modern, high-tech equipment requires significantly more electricity and utility support than our old system.
• New Treatment Costs: The new treatment process utilizes advanced filtration and purification chemicals that add to our ongoing monthly operational expenses.

2. Sewer O&M Rate Increase: Sludge Hauling

In addition to the water rates, the Sewer Operations & Maintenance (O&M) rates will see an increase due to the final stage of the water cleaning process.

• The Challenge: Once the new plant cleans the water, the remaining solid byproduct (sludge) must be safely hauled away.
• The Cost Driver: Rising transportation, fuel, and disposal fees for hauling this sludge have significantly driven up our sewer maintenance expenses.

3. Proactive Solutions: How We Are Cutting Future Costs

The Town Board is actively working to bring these costs back down as quickly as possible. We have already taken a major step to alleviate the burden of sludge hauling on our taxpayers:

Proactive Cost Savings: The Biosolids Dewatering Project

The town has officially submitted a site application to build a brand-new dewatering facility directly at the Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) site.

By removing water from the sludge before transport, this facility will reduce our sludge hauling costs by an estimated 90%.

We understand that rate increases are difficult, and we are committed to financial transparency while protecting La Veta’s public health and natural resources.

Questions or Feedback?

• Stop in: Town Hall 209 S. Main St. La Veta, CO 81055
• Call: Phone: 719-742-3631
• Email: [email protected]

The water rates, fees and charges will be set as follows:
(A) The minimum monthly debt service and/or capital reserve fee shall be $29.46 per month per EQR.
(B) The minimum monthly operations and maintenance fee shall be $31.54 per month per EQR.

The sewer rates, fees and charges will be set as follows:
(A) The minimum monthly sewer operation and maintenance fee shall be $41.18 per month per EQR.
(B) The minimum monthly debt service and/or capital reserve fee shall remain $23.82 per month per EQR.
(C) The minimum monthly sewer processing fee shall be $1.00 per month per EQR.