Mancos is growing faster than Dolores and Cortez, but left unaddressed its aging infrastructure will affect the quality of life for current residents and possibly impede growth and development. Mancos is home to about 1,300 residents, the result of a 20 percent increase in population from 2000 to 2010, according to the 2010 census. In contrast, Dolores and Cortez saw 9 and 6 percent increases, respectively.

This weekend, Mancos experienced what can happen. Although this problem was due to a failed pump at the water treatment facility, our water mains and lines in many parts of the town are old (circa 1940s) and deteriorating. There are leaks in the lines and obsolete water meters, which lead to a 20 percent to 30 percent loss of treated water. During dry months in the summer, the water-treatment system often doesn't meet demand, which can lead to water-usage restrictions.

With the recent lack of snow and the possibility of drought, Mancos cannot afford to waste its most precious resource, and the problems with our water system will only get worse. It would be irresponsible for the town not to take action and address these improvements. Thus, the Town of Mancos, under the direction of the town board, has identified capital projects in need of attention. These projects include increasing water storage with an additional tank and systematically replacing the aging water lines and obsolete meters.

Due to other pressing priorities and the estimated cost of $2.9 million, it may be tempting to set aside water infrastructure improvements. The upgrades will not be immediately visible. However, by doing nothing, residents, business owners, and entities such as the school and library will increasingly feel the impact of year-round water main breaks and water shortages during the summer. The public works department, instead of addressing other priorities, will increasingly need to patch and repair leaks as they arise. Additionally, other road and storm drainage upgrades cannot be addressed until the water lines that are under the streets are repaired.

Our strategy is to build these improvements over several years. The town is committed to utilizing all grant and low-interest loan sources available to local governments while doing so. In fact, many of the improvements we have made recently to the water and sewer systems were accomplished with the help of state grants from the Department of Local Affairs and the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority. This includes a $1.4 million grant and a $1.5 million interest-free loan for the new wastewater treatment plant and a $990,000 grant to replace some of the aging water and sewer lines in 2008.

Even with financial assistance, the town must be able to generate much of the funds for the improvements and establish adequate reserves for future needs. Currently, the town's general fund subsidizes the costs of the water system repairs and maintenance rather than the industry standard of a water utility paying for its upkeep through its user fees.

Thus, the trustees commissioned an independent firm to conduct a water rate study with surprising results. Mancos charges significantly less per gallon for its water than many of its peer municipalities and, the study concluded, if the town increases its rates to a comparable level, many of these infrastructure problems can be addressed.

With the understanding that even a small increase can have a big impact on families and businesses, we'd like to hear your side of the story. This month, our town administrator, Andrea Phillips, will visit community groups to share the results of the study, an outline of needed capital improvements, and a plan that will increase rates incrementally. Information can also be found at Town Hall and on the town website, mancoscolorado.com. We also are scheduling a public forum from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18 to gather input and help answer questions. We hope you will join us at this event as we address this quality-of-life issue.