The Southern Delivery System (SDS) is a vital infrastructure project and the single largest infrastructure design ever built by Colorado Springs Utilities. From start to finish, construction spanned almost six years and even longer for the planning process. Last month, The Southern Delivery, named for the route the water travels, began its operation. Not only does SDS meet the immediate and future water needs of Colorado Springs through 2040, it also increases system reliability should other parts of the water system need maintenance or repairs. The 50-mile SDS pipeline will link the City of Colorado Springs and three neighboring communities, with the Pueblo Reservoir on the Arkansas River. The line will carry water needed for continued growth in the area, supplement existing raw water supplies, and protect against future droughts. The new water treatment plant has a 50 million gallons/a day (mgd) capacity with the potential to expand to 100 mgd.
The Pueblo Reservoir is located an hour’s drive south of Colorado Springs and, when full, has a capacity of over 357,000 acre feet of water. The pipeline begins at a new outlet structure on the reservoir. The line is 66 inches in diameter and constructed of spiral wound steel sections. All told, the SDS regional project includes 50 miles of pipeline, three raw water pump stations, a water treatment plant, and a finished water pump station.
Fun Fact: The Arkansas River feeds Lake Pueblo’s 11 mile-long body of water. The park’s low elevation-4,900 feet- allows for a mild climate and a year-round recreation resource.
Certified Installers take note: Perma-Liner Industries would like to invite you to our Refresher Training (Perma-Lateral™ specific) that will take place on July 12th and 13th at our Clearwater facility!! Please plan on attending. Register by calling 1-866-336-2568 or Click Here! See you then!
