Plans and Regulations
Protecting resources through environmentally sound development
The Town is committed to protecting water resources and ensuring future development continues in an environmentally sound manner. Below is a list of plans, regulations and manuals to assist in these efforts. These plans and the updates are reviewed by the Water Commission before approval by Town Council.
Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Manual
The GESC / DESC Manual has been renamed the Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Manual (TESC Manual) and has been revised to comply with the Town's MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) Permit with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The manual is in effect for all new projects after July 1, 2019. The transition from GESC to TESC is outlined in the next section.
The TESC Manual describes the permitting program that has been adopted to promote environmentally sound construction practices in Town. The goal of the program is to implement erosion and sediment control measures as a standard for all land-disturbance activities. The hope is to reduce increases in erosion and sedimentation over pre-development conditions. Erosion caused by construction and downstream sedimentation can damage property and degrade the quality of streams and lakes. The TESC Manual (PDF) is a large document, so it may take several minutes to open the full manual.
Grading, Erosion and Sediment Control / Drainage Erosion and Sediment Control Manual
The GESC and DESC Manual (commonly known as the GESC Manual) will still apply to projects that were in review or started construction before July 1, 2019. The transition to the TESC requirements are as follows:
GESC Permits:
- Non-residential GESC-permitted projects will remain under the GESC program until close-out.
- Residential GESC-permitted projects will be required to comply with the TESC requirements for vertical construction by Jan. 1, 2020.
DESC / Building permit requirements:
- Residential subdivisions with at least one active building permit as of July 2019 will continue with the issuance of combined Building/DESC Permits through Dec. 31, 2019.
- Residential subdivisions without active building permits as of July 2019 will be required to comply with the new TESC Permit requirements prior to release of building permits.
- All residential building permits will be required to comply with the new TESC Permit requirements starting Jan. 1, 2020.
The GESC and DESC Manual (PDF) is a large document so it may take several minutes to open the full manual.
Storm Drainage Design and Technical Criteria Manual
Castle Rock Water recognizes the importance of sound stormwater planning and management. Stormwater management is an integral part of overall development planning and site design, which must be addressed in the earliest planning stages. All drainage reports and plans, drainage system analyses, and drainage system designs, submitted as a requirement of the Town of Castle Rock Municipal Code, shall comply with the criteria in the 2019 Storm Drainage Design and Technical Criteria Manual (PDF).
Construction drawings submitted for first review and for construction drawings that are resubmitted after having expired after July 1, 2019, must comply with the 2019 Storm Drainage Design and Technical Criteria Manual (PDF), updated from the 2012 manual (PDF).
Portions of the Town are within the Cherry Creek Watershed governed by Water Quality Control Regulation 72. Construction projects within Cherry Creek must comply with Control Regulation 72.7. Visit Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality website for further information.
Drainageway master plans
Castle Rock Water has completed 20 major drainageway watershed master plans. These master plans serve as supplemental documentation to the Stormwater Master Plan (PDF). The plans were developed by engineering consultants and follow the basic outline set forth by the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District. The purpose of the drainageway master plans is to determine the drainage, flooding and erosion problems within the individual watersheds and identify strategies to minimize or eliminate these problems. They also identify existing problems along the major drainageway system, analyze floodplain characteristics, and provide recommended improvements for flood conveyance, stream stabilization and water quality. The plans provide a guide for managing necessary drainageway improvements in an efficient manner as development occurs in the watersheds, and minimize costs to rate payers.
Executive summaries and conceptual design drawings of the drainageway master plans can be viewed through the links below. If you would like to view any of these drainageway master plans in their entirety, please email us your request.
Plum Creek Watershed
- 6400 Tributary (PDF)
- East Plum Creek Drainageway (PDF)
- Gambel Ridge, Gambel Ridge North and Douglas Lane (PDF)
- Hangman's Gulch and Parkview Tributaries (PDF)
- North and South Dawson Tributaries (PDF)
- Omni, Industrial and Westfield Tributaries (PDF)
- Sellars Gulch (PDF)
- Tributary B (PDF)
- Tributaries C and D (PDF)
Cherry Creek Watershed
Water Master Plan
The Water Master Plan (PDF) (formerly, the Water Facilities Master Plan) was adopted in 2006 and outlines the general planning for expansion and optimization of the Castle Rock water system, as necessary to meet the evolving water needs of the local community. The following principles serve as the base for the Town's water programs:
- Protect people, property and the environment
- Plan for the future
- Encourage coordination of infrastructure needs
- Operate the water enterprise fund as a business, balancing revenue and expenses
- Provide for effective long-term operation and maintenance of water system facilities
- Ensure water planning is consistent with, and considered part of, a fully integrated total water management approach
Water System Design Criteria Manual
The Water System Design Criteria Manual (PDF) contain the polices and minimum technical criteria for the planning, analysis and design of potable water systems in the Town, as well as areas served by the Town. The manuals outline requirements for utility reports and plans, analyses and designs. The primary goal of the new manuals is to bring criteria up to current construction and design standards. The most significant change to the criteria is aligning the manuals with the new development procedures, which moves detail to the back end of the process.
Construction Methodology & Materials Manual
In order to help our contractors work quickly and efficiently, we've put together this quick reference guide with links that will take you directly to specific sections in the Construction Methodology and Materials Manual (PDF). This manual gives contractors in-depth information on how to construction water mains. These procedures protect the Town's drinking water supply.
View a copy of the enlarged schematic (PDF).
- Pipe Delivery and Protection (PDF) - Careful timing of deliveries and protecting the pipe from sediment and contaminants can reduce flushing and increase positive Bacteriological Testing results.
- Testing Procedures (PDF) - There are tests required before the new main can be connected to the Town's Distribution System. These tests are: High Chlorine, Low Chlorine, Hydro static and Bacteriological Tests, in that order. These tests shall be performed and witnessed by the Development Inspector.
- Acceptance of Pipe (PDF) - The new pipeline system may be placed in operation after all required cleaning, testing and inspections have been completed and written permission has been granted by the Castle Rock Water Supervisor. Please refer to Policy and Procedures 1.2.5 in The Construction Methodology and Materials Manual.
Wastewater Master Plan
The Wastewater Master Plan (PDF) was originally adopted in 2004 and examines the existing wastewater system infrastructure. It identifies collection system capital improvement projects required to provide service to existing and future development through build-out of the Town's service area boundary. The goals of the plan are to:
- Identify collection system deficiencies and/or future facility requirements
- Identify collection system deficiencies and/or future facility requirements
- Develop tools to update the plan as growth conditions change or new development occurs
- Develop a plan for recommended projects that balances infrastructure requirements with fiscal responsibility
- Develop cost estimates as a basis for input into the annual rates and fee analyses
Wastewater Collection Design Criteria Manual
The Wastewater Collection Design Criteria Manual (PDF) contain the polices and minimum technical criteria for the planning, analysis and design of wastewater-collection systems in the Town, as well as areas served by the Town. The manuals outline requirements for utility reports and plans, analyses and designs. The primary goal of the new manuals is to bring criteria up to current construction and design standards. The most significant change to the criteria is aligning the manuals with the new development procedures, which moves detail to the back end of the process.
Drought Management Plan
The Drought Management Plan (PDF) identifies the actions needed to ensure an uninterrupted supply of water when a drought-induced water supply shortage exists. The plan identifies specific values of a drought that will trigger management response.
Landscape & Irrigation Criteria Manual
The Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual (PDF) outlines the policies, procedures, performance standards and minimum criteria. The criteria provide comprehensive water-efficient design, installation and maintenance standards in a manner that balances quality of life with the overall responsibilities of the Town as a water provider. The manual demonstrates the Town's commitment to the wise use of water resources. It enhances regional characteristics; promotes environmental sustainability; and ensures land use compatibility in a practical, consistent and efficient administrative environment.
Source Water Protection Plan
The Source Water Protection Plan (PDF) helps the Town ensure clean and high-quality drinking water sources for current and future generations. The Plan is designed to:
- Create an awareness of the community's drinking water sources and the potential risks to surface water and/or groundwater quality within the watershed.
- Encourage education and voluntary solutions to alleviate pollution risks.
- Promote management practices to protect and enhance the drinking water supply.
- Provide for a comprehensive action plan in case of an emergency that threatens or disrupts the community water supply.
Water Efficiency Master Plan
The Water Efficiency Master Plan 2023 (PDF) was approved by Town Council March 2023 and is being reviewed by the State of Colorado Water Conservation Board. The public can provide comments to this document during a 60 day comment period, here.
The Water Efficiency Master Plan (PDF) approved by Town Council on July 21, 2015 (Resolution 2015-62) outlines a goal-oriented, performance-based and cost-effective strategy that provides a practical approach to design and implementation, while providing measurable water savings. This plan outlines current and future water-use profiles, establishes conservation goals, identifies conservation measures, reflects the costs and benefits of conservation, defines regulations and incentives, outlines the water budget rate structure and educational program, and establishes evaluation processes. The plan was revised in February 2016 to address minor comments received from the State of Colorado Water Conservation Board.
Water Resources Strategic Master Plan
The Water Resources Strategic Master Plan (PDF) was adopted in 2006 and is reviewed and updated as necessary This plan addresses the future water needs for the Town to achieve a sustainable long-term water supply. The plan charts the path and identifies strategies for the Town to move toward a sustainable water future.
Currently, a large % of the Town's water demands are met by deep aquifer groundwater. Over the past several years, water providers, community leaders and the public have noted declining water levels throughout the region, including in Castle Rock. With or without growth, that existing groundwater supply is a non-renewing resource that is not sustainable for the Town's long-term future.
Water Use Management Plan
The Water Use Management Plan (PDF) is designed as a demand-management tool to allow adequate volumes and pressures to the water distribution system during landscape irrigation season. This program is also intended to encourage wise use of a finite resource.
Code Central
Visit our Code Central web page for municipal code, land development codes, infrastructure design codes, our fee schedule, and more.