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Land Use Code

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1. What is the Land Use Code and how does it affect my property rights?

The Land Use Code is a set of regulations that guide how property is used and developed. The purpose of the Land Use Code is to protect landowner rights while also looking out for overall community interests with fair and consistent enforcement.

2. How can I stay informed about the Land Use Code update?

The best way to stay in the know and receive accurate information is to attend or review Planning Commission meetings. Planning Commission meetings take place on the first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m., unless the date conflicts with a holiday. 

The Planning Commission will review sections of the Land Use Code during a work session on the first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. You may access meeting information and material by clicking here. Work sessions are open to the public to observe. Sessions are intended to be a productive collaboration time for the for Planning Commissioners as they work on the LUC. Public comment is not intended to be a part of the agenda and is under the discretion of the commission chair. 

 Meetings are held at the Leeper Center 3800 Wilson Ave, Wellington, CO 80549 or can be watched digitally on Zoom. Meeting information and material may be found on the Agendas and Minutes page by clicking here. 

Updates will be provided on this page of the Town's website and the Town's social media linked below. 

• Facebook
• Instagram 
• Twitter
• Nextdoor 
• Youtube

3. What is the difference between zoning and the Land Use Code?

The Land Use Code includes a description of all uses, the processes that are available for development, and the standards for development. Zoning is one part of the Land Use Code. It is one of the tools that directs property development and use. "Zoning" is a set of zone districts that list uses and other requirements for each district. 

4. What is a Land Use?

General land use categories identified in the Comprehensive Plan include:

Low Density Residential - A Single Family Home  

Medium Density Residential - Primarily single-family and a variety of attached homes (e.g., townhomes, duplexes, fourplexes, cottage courts, and apartments) no taller than 3 stories. 

Commercial - Various retail and services ranging from shopping areas, to gyms, hospitality, lodging, entertainment, medical, and social services. 

Mixed Use -  Primarily restaurants, offices, livework units, mid-rise apartments, condominiums, urban lodging, civic uses, public facilities, and cultural activities 

Downtown Neighborhoods - Primarily detached and attached single-family homes, backyard cottages, cottage courts, duplexes to fourplexes, and townhouses, no taller than 3 stories. 

Downtown Core - Primarily restaurants, specialty retail, offices, housing, urban lodging, and cultural activities, no taller than 3 stories.

Industrial - Primarily large format buildings for manufacturing, assembly, warehousing, distribution, and processing. Complementary uses may include research and development. 

Civic - Town buildings such as offices, the library, community center, and schools; government buildings such as post office and fire department; regional schools or research centers.

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Recreation

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1. When are the Recreation office hours for in person registration?

Office hours are Mon-Fri 1-5 p.m. Outside of those hours, we suggest you call the office to make sure that someone is in the office to help you. The phone number for Wellington Recreation is (970) 568-7410. The address is 8225 Third Street Wellington CO. 80549. 

You may also purchase required jerseys and other apparel during office hours! 

2. Can I register online?

Yes! You can register online by clicking here or navigating to the "Register" tab on the recreation website. Online registration is open 24/7 during registration periods.

3. What is the refund policy?

All refund requests need to be received by email to recreation@wellingtoncolorado.gov and include participant name, sport, team (if applicable), and reason for needing a refund. A 100% refund of registration fees will be given for requests received before games begin. Requests received after games have begun are not eligible for a refund. A 100% refund of registration fees is given to adult teams that request a refund before schedules are posted online. No refund is given for teams requesting a refund after schedules have been posted online. If an activity or league is cancelled all registrants/teams receive a 100% refund of registration fees.

4. I really want to participate in adult sports but don’t have a team. What can I do?

No worries, we will work to help you find a team! 

If you would like to participate in an adult sport but don’t have a team you can post your contact information on our Facebook page. You may also register as a free agent and the Recreation Department will work to help find you a team.

5. What is the uniform for youth sports?

For all our youth sports (Fort Collins Baseball Club leagues excluded) a blue/white reversible jersey is required by all participants. Jerseys can be purchased at the Recreation Office (8700 Third Street) during registration hours (Mon-Fri 1-5pm. ) for $20. Also available for purchase are shorts ($10) and socks ($5). We allow a grace period for the first week of games, but a participant is required to wear a blue/white reversible jersey by the second week of games.

6. Are adult and youth sports’ participants allowed to wear jewelry?

No. For the safety of all our adult and youth sports’ participants jewelry of any sort is not allowed (except medical and religious needs). Taping of earrings, watches, rings, etc. is not allowed. Officials have been instructed to check for jewelry. If a player is asked to remove jewelry games will be stopped until jewelry is removed.

7. Why are scores not kept for certain age groups/levels?

We believe that our community should encourage younger participants to focus on developing skills, sportsmanship, being a good teammate, building social skills, and learning to love the sport they are playing.

8. Can I make a request to be on a certain team?

Yes. Roster requests will only be considered for those that request it during regular registration periods. If multiple requests would provide for unbalanced teams they may not be considered. Roster requests are never guaranteed though we do our best to honor requests. Siblings and other family members will be assigned to the same team.

9. Why do you limit team roster sizes?

Limiting roster size allows each participants playing time to be maximized.

10. We registered but have not heard from a coach. What do we do?

Our volunteer coaches must complete coach certification, paperwork, and concussion awareness training before they are given access to their team rosters. Most of our volunteer coaches have busy lives and sometimes it takes them a while to complete everything. Usually, coaches will contact their teams within a week after coach meetings. If a coach has not been in contact after that week call the Recreation Office at (970) 568-7410 so that we can get you contact information for your coach.

11. Why do I receive so many emails asking for coaches for every youth activity?

A certain number of coaches are required to allow every youth player a chance to participate. Without enough coaches, play time may be limited and the league may not be able to play. We want to avoid this at all costs so we do as much outreach as possible attempting to get parents or community members that might be on the fence about coaching, involved. 

12. I would like to coach a youth sport. What do I need to do?

If you would like to coach a youth sport you can either indicate “Yes” when registering online or let Recreation Staff know if registering in the office. Otherwise, you can call the rec office at (970) 568-7410 or email at recreation@wellingtoncolorado.gov with your name and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you!

13. If I register multiple kids, do I receive a discount?

No. We don’t offer multiple registrant discounts.

14. If I coach can my kid(s) participate for free?

Yes. One child is able to participate in the same program/sport as you are coaching.

15. I am having trouble registering online. I am being told that my child is in the wrong grade. How can I correct this so I can register?

Call the Recreation Office (970) 568-7410 if you are having trouble registering online due to a participant being in the wrong grade so that we can update their profile. Do not create another profile for the participant as that will not resolve the issue.

16. Why aren’t the age divisions closer for youth basketball and volleyball?

Due to limited participants in each age group, we need to combine a larger range of grades in order to create enough teams for play.

17. Why do youth basketball and volleyball practices end so late at night?

All of our gym space is acquired from Poudre School District (PSD) and we can only access their space at specific times in order to accommodate their needs and ours.

18. Why are outside school doors locked during scheduled Wellington Recreation events?

Poudre School District (PSD) has strict policies with regards to school access and safety. This is for the safety of all students, staff, and others that use the schools for activities. These policies do not allow school staff to keep outside doors unlocked even with scheduled after school events.

19. How much does it cost to use the batting cages?

A single token is $1.75 for 15 pitches. Six (6) tokens are $10. Stations are also available for rent ($25 per half hour).

20. What are the batting cages’ hours of operation?

Please see batting cage hours by clicking here.

21. Can I use my own bat while batting at the cages?

Yes. Customers can use their own bats but Recreation Staff is not held liable for any damage to personal equipment.

22. Why do I have to wear a helmet with facemask at the batting cages?

For the safety of all customers, helmets with facemasks are required at all times inside the batting cages. Such helmets are provided by Wellington Recreation. There are no exceptions to this policy. Personal helmets with face masks may be worn.

23. How do I find out if a game is cancelled?

You can call the game cancellation line at (970) 568-3284. The Recreation Staff will update the information by 7:00am.

24. What are the criteria for cancelling youth games?

Recreation Staff will solely be responsible for canceling youth games due to unsafe conditions. Please call the weather line to check the status of games at (970) 568-3284.

25. Will cancelled youth and adult games be re-scheduled?

As per our policies, cancelled games are not guaranteed to be re-scheduled. Recreation Staff will make every effort to reschedule games. Games are not guaranteed to be rescheduled during typical game times.

26. Can coaches and/or parents cancel games?

No, only Recreation Staff has authorization to cancel games. It is our expectation that all coaches show up ready to coach their teams unless games have been officially cancelled.

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Wastewater Plant Expansion

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1. Is the Town looking into grant funding for the needed Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant Expansions?

Yes, Town staff are actively pursuing every available option at both the state and federal level.  Senator Michael Bennet and Congressman Joe Neguse have committed to provide letters of support for future grant opportunities.

2. If voters approve, can sales tax from Marijuana be used for the water fund?

The ballot initiative created through the citizens' initiative process outlined the use of potential tax. “Sec. 15-40 Purpose of tax. The Board of Trustees hereby declares that the purpose of the levy of the Retail Marijuana Sales Tax imposed by this Article is for raising funds for the construction of a new community or recreation center, and/or other general operating expenses as may be designated instead by the Town on an annual basis.”

3. What is a sinking fund and is it necessary?

A sinking fund is an account where money that is received prior to a payment is set aside to make future loan payments or retire debt.  We are proposing a sinking fund so that the loan is paid off before another plant is needed.  The goal is to avoid stacking debt.

4. What is an enterprise fund?

An Enterprise Fund supports expenses through the revenues generated by providing the service, like a private business enterprise. The cost of providing water and sewer services to utility customers is recovered or financed through charges to the users of these services. Although this fund operates like a private business enterprise, there is one key difference - it does not generate any profits. All revenue received goes to pay expenses. Balances in any account are utilized to meet current or future financial requirements.

5. Is the Town going to slow growth to accommodate for the water and wastewater capacity challenge?

YES! The Town has slowed growth from a 5-year average of 229 permits per year to an average of 100 permits per year until the new plants are online.  

6. What is an impact fee and how does it work?

An impact fee is a one-time payment imposed by the Town on a property developer. The fee is meant to offset the financial impact a new development places on public infrastructure. Public infrastructure includes roads, schools, parks, recreational facilities, water and sewerage, among other services.

7. What is the 2-year and 5-year plan for addressing treatment capacity issues?

Growth is currently being slowed to 100 permits per year to ensure there is a balance between needed funding and the ability to meet demand. The wastewater treatment plant expansion will service a population of approximately 25,000 and is estimated to come online in early 2024.  

8. Why do we need an expansion at the Wastewater Treatment Plant?

The wastewater treatment plant is currently at its built-out point, meaning it has lasted as long as it was supposed to last. The expansion is needed to meet compliance for current residents while also planning for future growth. New regulations imposed by the State of Colorado cannot be met with the capability of our current plant leading to needed improvements to continue operation for both current and future members of the Wellington community.  

9. If growth was just stopped, would we need a wastewater plant expansion?

We would still need an expansion. The regulations set by State and Federal regulatory agencies are becoming more stringent and our current plant cannot treat wastewater to the upcoming standards. The project would look slightly different if future growth were to stop completely. However, rates would increase even further for current residents if growth were to end completely because impact review would drop to zero.  

10. What will we do between now and 2024 when the wastewater plant comes online?

There are seasonal peaks, weekly peaks, and daily peaks. You can make a difference by using the water and sewer system off daily peak hours (9-11 a.m.) (5- 9 p.m.). When everyone uses water at the same time, the system is taxed as it begins operating toward maximum capacity. The growth rate is currently being slowed to handle the capacity for the next 3-5 years until phase 3 comes online in 2024.  

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Water Utility Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Why is there a tier structure and what does it cost?

The tier structure is designed to give users more control of their bill. The less water you use, the less you pay per 1,000 gallons. Not only does this allow you to take your water bill into your own hands, the Town is better positioned to meet the current and growing demand.

Current residential tier structure:

• Base Rate $66.00 
• First 15,000 Gallons $4.56 per 1,000
• Over 15,000 Gallons $5.70 per 1,000
• Over 30,000 Gallons $7.72 per 1,000

Single family residential tier structure as of January 2023: 

• Tier 1 (0-3,000 gallons): $0.00
• Tier 2 (3,001-7,000 gallons): $11.70
• Tier 3 (7,001-20,000 gallons): $15.20
• Tier 4 (more than 20,000 gallons): $21.64

Multi family tier structure as of January 2023: 

• Tier 1 (0-3,000 gallons): $0.00
• Tier 2 (3,001-5,000 gallons): $7.08
• Tier 3 (5,001-14,000 gallons): $9.21
• Tier 4 (more than 14,000 gallons): $13.11

Commercial tier structure as of January 2023: 

• Tier 1 (0-25,000 gallons): $11.72
• Tier 2 (25,001-120,000 gallons): $14.64
• Tier 3 (more than 120,00 gallons): $17.57

 

2. Is the Town doing anything to slow down growth?

Yes, the number of building permits have been limited.

• Town staff are actively working with developers and builders to manage growth in a responsible manner.  The existing treatment capacity limitations at the water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant create limitations on the number of new residential permits that can be issued over the next few years until the plant expansion projects are complete.   
• It is estimated that the current treatment facilities would allow on average approximately 100 building permits per year over the next 3 years (approximately 3% growth rate).  One year may have slightly more than 100 and another year may have slightly less than 100.  Town staff continues to monitor the capacities of the treatment facilities and will update the number of permits allowed based on available capacity. 
• Managing growth during this period until the treatment facilities are complete is critical to community’s ability to provide water and wastewater services for residents and businesses while also allowing a moderate amount of growth to allow some revenues from new development.   Revenues and impact fees from new development permits (application fees, development review fees, building use tax, and impact fees are all collected at the time of building permit) helps shift some of the cost burden from existing residents. 

3. Does Wellington’s water meet Water Quality Standards?

Yes, according to the 2022 Drinking Water Quality Report which is based on water quality monitoring data collected in 2021, the Town’s water meets all state and federal drinking water health standards, which are the primary standards for treating and monitoring water. State mandated water quality compliance testing is completed annually by a State of Colorado certified laboratory. Results show Wellington water is compliant in all categories. You can find more information on the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Consumer Confidence Reports, under “WELLINGTON TOWN OF – CO0135838.” 

4. What is the difference between Water and Wastewater?

Drinking-water systems collect source water from rivers, lakes, groundwater wells, remove pollutants, and distribute safe drinking water to residents (potable).

Water Reclamation systems (wastewater) collect used water and sewage, remove contaminants, and discharge clean water back into the nation's rivers and lakes for other use. 

5. How do Wellington’s utility rates compare to other communities?

The Division of Local Government (DLG) conducts an annual survey  of local utility providers and gathers information about water and sewer rates. In 2020, drinking water rates, (for 10,000 gallons of use), showed a 24.9% median increase for municipalities. Additionally, municipalities wastewater rates showed a 3.57% median increase.

 According to the 2020 rate survey, the average monthly residential water bill for municipal customer in Colorado was $67.93 (based on 10,000 gallons of use). Comparatively, Wellington water customer paid $111.60 (based on 10,000 gallons of use). 

 Municipal sewer customers in Colorado paid an average monthly bill of $38.04 and Wellington residential customers paid $27.13 on average monthly.

6. I need help paying my water bill, who should I contact?

If you need assistance paying your bill, contact one of the following agencies for assistance: 
If you have experienced a hardship: 
Click here to download the Hardship Utility Grant (HUG) application. Applications are also available in person at Wellington Town Hall. The application must be submitted in person to Wellington Town Hall along with documentation to verify the hardship. 

Haga clic aquí para descargar la aplicación Hardship Utility Grant (HUG). Las solicitudes también están disponibles en persona en Wellington Town Hall. La solicitud debe enviarse en persona al Ayuntamiento de Wellington junto con la documentación para verificar las dificultades.

If you have been financially impacted by COVID-19:
Call Neighbor to Neighbor at 970-829-0296 or visit larimer.org/erp to learn more! 

Other opportunities for financial assistance 
Discover Goodwill 
1-888-775-5327
Catholic Charities Larimer County 
970-484-5010
460 Linden Center Drive, Fort Collins 
Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
La Familia/The Family Center
970-221-1615 
309 Hickory St. #5, Fort Collins 
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. -12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m.
For assistance paying rent visit Neighbor to Neighbor by clicking here. 
Neighbor to Neighbor ofrece servicios de tranducción en todas nuestras oficinas. Envie un correo electronicó a contact@n2n.org para más informacion o para hacer una cita.
Larimer County Human Services 
https://www.larimer.org/humanservices

7. What is the timeline for the water rates decision?

The Board of Trustees adopted new water rate fees in November 2022. Water and Sewer rates will be assessed annually as a best practice to ensure all fees are in line with the cost of providing service. 

8. Are we raising rates paid by new development?

Yes. The Town evaluated rates for water and wastewater fees and charges (water tap and sewer tap) ultimately resulting in an increase. 

• The Town commissioned a water utility rate study that was completed and presented in 2020.  The water rate study revealed that user utility base rates needed to increase to cover normal operating costs, chemical and treatment costs, and improvements to aging and outdated equipment.  User fees have been increased to account for these shortfalls. 
• The new water treatment plant expansion project that will allow for additional treatment capacity to accommodate current and future growth results in costs that are recovered through the collection of impact fees paid by new development.  The Board of Trustees approved an increase of the water tap fee from $5,500 to $7,500 and then to the current rate $7,750 for a typical 3/4-inch water tap (3/4-inch tap serves most residential homes and many small businesses).  Larger tap sizes are also increase proportionately. 
• The wastewater treatment plant is also currently under design for an upgrade to existing process equipment and expansion to accommodate current and future growth.  The costs of the upgrade and expansion have been evaluated to proposed various funding scenarios that balance the costs paid by existing users through user rates and the impact fees paid at the time of building permit for new development.  Impact fees for a typical 4-inch sewer tap (serves most residential uses and many small business uses) is increased from $7,500 to $9,700.  Larger sewer tap sizes increased proportionately based on specific uses. 

Residential water and sewer taps currently make up the largest portion of new development impact fees, along with a modest number of new business impact fees.  Although impact fees are collected just one time at the time a building permit is issued, the fees are typically passed on to the homebuyer or business and often rolled into the home mortgage or business loan.  Homeowners and businesses continue to pay for the one-time cost in their monthly mortgage or loan payments.  The homeowner/business also begins paying monthly usage rates beginning at the time construction is complete.  Balancing the one-time impact fee costs is important to ensure the cost burden to homebuyers and small businesses continues to be manageable. 

• New development projects have significant costs to provide the public infrastructure that serves the development.  The developer pays for the installation of water lines, sewer lines, streets, parks and other improvements at the time of construction.  The developer/builder then also pays the costs of the impact fees at the time a permit is issued.  Continuing to increase impact fees while at the same time the Town is limiting the number of residential permits to stay within treatment capacities could reach a point where developers/builders are unwilling to continue to build in Wellington.  If this cost point is reached that new development is no longer willing to pay the fees, the result could be a slowdown or a stop to new development, shifting the cost of paying for improvements onto existing residents. 

9. What water fees and rates are charged for new construction homes? How do new construction fees help pay for water infrastructure?

Before any water fees are paid to the Town, a developer is first responsible for providing the water infrastructure (underground pipes) that extend water services throughout the subdivision. The cost of installing the new infrastructure is paid by the developer initially, and developers will typically recover their cost of installation in the sale price of the lot or home. Each new residential dwelling unit that is permitted is required to pay a water tap fee, currently $7,750. This is the capital cost of connecting to the Town’s water treatment and distribution system. Tap fees are used by the Town to pay for water treatment plant expansions, upgrades and new equipment necessitated to accommodate the impacts of new growth. Each new dwelling is also required to bring raw water to the Town (raw water is a term used to describe untreated water resources, such as water shares, rights or wells that can be accessed by the Town for treatment and distribution to residents). This is typically accomplished by paying a fee in-lieu of water dedication (pay a fee instead of providing the actual water resources) and is paid at the time a building permit is issued. The raw water fee is established based upon the cost of acquiring new water rights, and is currently $19,285.50. The Town uses these fees to purchase water shares or rights, or to lease water shares or rights for treatment and distribution. Once the water tap fee and the raw water fee are satisfied, a building permit is issued and the home builder pays the same residential water utility rates as residents until such time as the property is sold and the new home-buyer takes responsibility for the water utility fees. The water utility fees are used to pay for the cost of treating water and maintaining the water treatment and distribution systems.

10. When was the last time rates were increased?

Water rates were increased in 2021. Prior to the most recent increase rates were minimally raised in 2016.

11. What is the Town doing with the bulk dispensing water machine?

You can find rate information and hours of operation by clicking here. 

12. What other options will the town pursue to handle the water issues?

The Town of Wellington has a Municipal Water Efficiency Plan in place as of 2018 and the Town has had on-going Water Efficiency Activities since 2013. These activities include automatic meter reading installation and operations, a leak detection and repair program, weekly and time of day outdoor water restrictions, and several other plans. If you are interested in reading the full Water Efficiency Plan, please click here. 

13. Have you considered incentives for xeriscaping current homes and restrictions on landscaping with new builds?

Conservation measures such as xeriscaping and other methods of reducing outdoor water demand are being evaluated by the Town. A combination of standard requirements for new construction, best practice guidelines, and incentives for converting existing water-intensive landscapes will be considered. Reducing outdoor water consumption will be integral to the Town’s future, and will need frequent evaluation to ensure regulations and programs are commensurate with available resources and remain beneficial to the Town and its residents.

14. Have you considered conducting a long-term plan that reflects our values and needs for growth and community life?

The Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the Planning Commission on August 2, 2021. Click here to view the adopted version of the plan. 

15. Are there other options such as joining another water district or starting our own?

The Town Board and Staff have looked into other water options, unfortunately none are financially viable at this time.

16. When is the water plant being built?

The process has started and the goal of completion is 2024.

17. Where do we get our water from?

The Town’s raw water supply comes from North Poudre Reservoir No. 3 that is sourced from the North Fork and Poudre River groundwater from the Coal Creek aquifer.  Raw water from North Poudre Reservoir No. 3 supplies the Town’s Conventional and Microfiltration facilities that are both located near the reservoir.  Groundwater is pumped from three wells into the Town’s Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis (RO) facilities located near the Leeper Center.

18. Can we remove grass lawns to save water?

The Town of Wellington encourages conservation methods such as xeriscaping and this would benefit residents in less consumption per month which would lower bills per month. If you are interested in conservation methods for your lawn, we suggested you check out the Northern Water’s website here for Water Wise Landscapes.

19. Where can we find an explanation of why rates are being increased?

There are several presentations available on the “Utility Rate Update” page on our website. Please take advantage of the videos, board meetings, and powerpoints. If you have additional questions please contact Communications Specialist Mahalia Henschel at henschem@wellingtoncolorado.gov or call at (970) 342-8500.

20. Why aren’t developers charged more to develop in Wellington?

Rates increased for developers in 2020,2021 and 2022. The adopted fees are based on the actual costs to the Town to acquire new water sources needed to serve the new developments.

21. Why does my water occasionally have a bad taste or smell?

Aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in Wellington’s drinking water are caused by frequent blue green algal blooms in the reservoir that provides our water. The decomposition of the algae creates chemical compounds that create a general earthiness in the water. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Wellington’s water meets all state and federal drinking water health standards.  Taste and odor causing effects are difficult to remove from the water but are not a risk to health or safety. To help remove taste and odor compounds, the Town is currently working on expanding the Water Treatment Plant which incorporates newer technological improvements to help eliminate taste and odor concerns. The plant is schedule to be completed in 2024.

22. Where can I find Water Quality Reports?

To view the most recent Water Quality Reports, visit our website: http://www.wellingtoncolorado.gov/299/Water-Quality-Reports