Handling that melting snow

Managing stormwater as it travels through Town so it does not create erosion or flooding issues is part of Castle Rock Water’s responsibility. Your yard is part of that stormwater system. Landscapes are a permeable surface and they slow and filter stormwater before it flows down to the creek. Streets and sidewalks, on the other hand, accelerate (but direct) the flow and also allow road and vehicle chemicals to be carried with it. Piling snow from driveways and sidewalks onto your yard helps prevent watershed erosion and increases environmental water quality. It also provides winter watering. Additionally, channeling downspouts and sump pump outlets to flow away from the house, but into and through the yard (not directly to the sidewalk) allow this permeable surface to do its stormwater duty.

Wildfire resiliency

Wildfires happen in Colorado and the recent fire in Boulder County is a reminder of how easily it can impact each one of us. Castle Rock Water works closely with the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue as we ensure sufficient water supply for firefighting and maintaining the operation of 4,300 fire hydrants in Town.

We also have some tips and tools for residents and business owners to help with fire mitigation in your landscape. Plants can be highly combustible. The Plant Finder on CRconserve.com identifies many plants that are Firewise and those that are highly flammable. For instance, junipers are not recommended to be planted within 10 feet of any structure. While they are prolific growers and need very little water, they burn hot and fast and can potentially spread fire. Deciduous plants and those with airy, thin branches are better placed near the home. Try a Dogwood or Apache Plume as an accent shrub in the landscape instead of a juniper. Keep in mind that no plant should be within 3 feet of a fence or building.

Heather Justus, International Day of Women in Science

Castle Rock Water, along with our regional American Water Works Association, is proud to highlight Heather Justus for the International Day of Women in Science. Heather is a water resources project manager and a professional geologist. She oversees the building of wells and interprets aquifer levels to ensure the Town has the water now and in the future. Recently, Heather has managed several projects with innovative technologies in Castle Rock including incorporating glass beads which increase efficiency in wells, lateral lines to increase capacity in surface water well collection, and downhole power generation for the aquifer storage and recovery project.

Looking to get your feet wet in the water industry? Find current job openings at CRgov.com/Jobs and look for the apprentice program available in May. Castle Rock Water is more than water.

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Have a question about water in Castle Rock? Send us your question via EMAIL. Answers will be include it in these monthly emails.