ditch water operations committee

Established:  January 5, 2022

Background: The Ditch Water Operations Committee (DWO) was established to gain understanding on how irrigation, ditch water, and other factors affect the lake level, and how to best manage the lake level effectively in the future. Beginning with the 2022 irrigation season on April 1, 2022, the committee has added Operations to its responsibilities (Attachment A).

Roles & Responsibilities:  

1. Follow the guidelines outlined in the Wolcott Lake Water Management Plan 
2. Complete the analysis of data, from 2017 through the present, of the lake's inputs and outputs, including the staff gauge, precipitation, flume level, temperature and humidity affecting estimated evaporation, estimates of irrigation usage, and any other data affecting the lake level.
3. Communicate with the Board, members assisting with water operations, and all members to utilize ditch water in the most beneficial way.
4. Monitor water lake quality by testing the water for e.Coli per Colorado guidelines for natural swimming areas. Testing is conducted on a weekly basis from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
5. Switch the irrigation system for grounds from ditch water to city water when required. Communicate with the Grounds Maintenance Committee chair(s).
6. Coordinate backflow preventer inspection with the Grounds Maintenance Committee chair(s). 
7. Assist in budgeting for the next year’s irrigation season.
8. Attend, or send a proxy, to the annual meeting of the Agriculture Ditch Company.
9. Report findings to the Board during the irrigation season of April 1 to October 31 or as requested by the BOD. Summarize the Ditch Water Operations Committee findings at the Annual Membership Meeting.

Active Members 2025-26:

Water Director and Committee Chair: Peggy Pitchford

Committee Members: Dean Lausten, Karl Fleischer, Jose Guedez, Chanin Floyd

Water Quality: Karl Fleischer

-last updated 3/12/2025