About | Three Lakes Water Sanitation

Serving the Grand Lake Region with Reliable Wastewater Solutions

lake view with mountains in the distance

Three Lakes Water & Sanitation District is a Colorado Special District serving the Grand Lake area and surrounding communities in northeastern Grand County. Our core purpose is to design, build, operate, and maintain a regional system for sewage collection, transmission, and treatment.

The District serves a region that includes the “three lakes” of Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Lake, and Lake Granby. This scenic mountain basin is a popular destination for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, bordered by Rocky Mountain National Park and the Shadow Mountain National Recreation Area. It’s not only a beloved getaway but also a great place to live, offering natural beauty, small-town charm, and a strong sense of community.

Established in the early 1970s by a forward-thinking local community, the District was created to meet growing infrastructure needs and protect public health. Today, we continue to serve residents, businesses, and visitors with efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible wastewater treatment services.

Our Mission

We provide efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible wastewater treatment services. Our goal is to protect the public's health, safety, and environment by minimizing adverse effects from the treatment, disposal, and transportation of solid waste at minimal cost to our constituents.

Who We Serve

Three Lakes Water & Sanitation District offers sanitary sewer services to more than 3,000 residential and 140 commercial properties across approximately 59 square miles, including the areas around Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Lake, and Lake Granby. While we do not provide drinking water, we collaborate with nearby water districts to support their systems and infrastructure.

Our Infrastructure

We operate and maintain a modern wastewater treatment system that includes:

A 2.0 MGD treatment plant using an activated sludge process, completed in 2003
Approximately 115 lift stations, including three large regional stations
An expanding network of sewer mains to accommodate current and future needs

Our system is continuously improved to keep pace with growth and increased demand, particularly from short-term rentals and higher home occupancy.

A Legacy of Stewardship

From the original lagoon treatment system built in 1982 to today’s advanced facility, every step in our history reflects a commitment to protecting our local environment. Our projects are made possible through a combination of local support, grants, and low-interest loans, which help us proactively maintain and improve our infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

Grand County is growing rapidly, bringing new challenges and responsibilities. We remain focused on maintaining a high standard of service while continuing to invest in infrastructure improvements. Whether it's replacing aging sewer mains or upgrading lift stations, we are dedicated to protecting the health of our community and the waters that define it.

TIMELINE OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1971 Colorado’s General Assembly passes Senate Bill No. 317, creating the Three Lakes Water & Sanitation District Act to establish a regional sanitation district serving the Grand Lake area.
1973 The District’s Master Plan is approved by the Grand County Board of County Commissioners, outlining the design, construction, and operation of a regional sewer system.
1977 Legislation is amended to incorporate the District into the broader Special District Act to streamline governance and operations.
1982 The District completes construction of a 1.3 million gallon per day (MGD) lagoon treatment system, funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
1990s Sanitation systems from Grand Lake Water & Sanitation District and Columbine Lake Water & Sanitation District are incorporated into the District’s regional system.
2000 Voters approve a $6.5 million debt increase to fund a new wastewater treatment plant due to increasing demand and stricter discharge regulations.
2001 An Amended 1041 Permit is approved by Grand County for construction of a 2.0 MGD sequencing batch reactor (SBR) activated sludge wastewater treatment plant.
2003 The new treatment plant begins operation, significantly increasing the District’s capacity and efficiency.
2007–2008 The Grand Lake Regional Lift Station is replaced at a cost of over $1 million, fully funded by District reserves.
2014 The Shadow Mountain and Stillwater Lift Stations are fully renovated with support from a $1 million state grant and a $2 million low-interest loan, improving system reliability and safety.
2017 Two Development Lift Stations are scheduled for replacement, with a combined cost of more than $1.45 million.
2018 – 2021 Constructed a new treatment building for copper removal to meet new permit requirements. Engineering started in 2018, construction in 2019, with completion in 2021. The total cost was more than $3 million, which was paid with a low-interest state-revolving fund loan.