Introduction

At the heart of northwest Douglas County, a major leap in infrastructure has just begun: the groundbreaking of the Chatfield Basin Water Reclamation Facility. Spearheaded by Dominion Water & Sanitation District in partnership with Douglas County,

PCL Construction, Stantec, and funded significantly by ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) dollars, this multi-million-dollar project aims to modernize wastewater treatment, improve water quality, and support long-term community growth.

Why This Facility Matters

Addressing Infrastructure Gaps & Health Risks

Many communities along the Highway 85 corridor—including Sterling Ranch, Louviers, and Roxborough—have long relied on outdated septic systems and aging lagoons. These systems are now proving insufficient to meet growing demands and often risk contamination of local waterways like Plum Creek and Chatfield Reservoir.

 

Clearing the Path to Cleaner Water

The new reclamation facility isn’t just about treating wastewater—it’s about reclaiming it. The state-of-the-art plant will:

· Safely treat sewage—removing solids, aerating, leveraging micro-bioreactors, then chlorinating and reducing contaminants

· Convey clean water for safe discharge, potentially improving conditions in the South Platte River and Chatfield Reservoir.

Funding the Future

The project is largely funded by local and federal dollars:

· Douglas County is investing $20,482,400 from ARPA funds

· Dominion Water & Sanitation District is contributing approximately $15 million, including ongoing operations and upkeep.

 

Collaboration & Community Impact

Partners at the Helm

The project is backed by a coalition of trusted organizations:

· PCL Construction ensures high-quality, safe construction practices

· Stantec brings design and environmental expertise

· Dominion Water leads the efforts in expanding the regional water and wastewater framework.

Voices of Support

· “This wastewater treatment facility will improve the lives of residents and provide opportunities for future collaboration on environmental projects, trail systems, and more,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle.

· Commissioner George Teal emphasized adapting to regional growth: “As Douglas County thrives and grows, we know maintaining a healthy water supply is a primary concern…”.

· At the ceremony, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert stated: “Our top three issues in Colorado are always water, water, water.

 

Looking Forward: A Vision for 2028 and Beyond

Details

· Facility projected to be operational by late 2027 or early 2028

· Will serve Sterling Ranch, Louviers, Roxborough, Titan Industrial

Park, and emerging areas.

· Upgraded public health, environmental resilience, economic

development, enhanced recreation (via trail systems)

· Promote water reuse, shift toward renewable water sources,

support regional growth sustainably

According to official planning documents, Dominion’s broader strategy includes connecting Louviers via lift station and force main, decommissioning outdated lagoon systems, building master-metered potable lines, and expanding capacity for future development—all backed by continued ARPA funding and private investment.

 

Serving Our Community, Protecting Our Waters

This milestone isn’t just about pipes and pumps—it’s about climate resilience, health equity, and smart investment. As our suburbs evolve, ensuring clean water access and wastewater treatment becomes essential to sustaining quality of life, economic vitality, and environmental stewardship. Dominion Water & Sanitation District and its partners are setting the stage for a thriving, sustainable future—one that embraces growth without sacrificing resource integrity.