Beginning in 2025, the Green Mountain Water & Sanitation District Board of Directors implemented an Infrastructure Replacement Fee (IRF). This fee establishes a dedicated funding source for the District Infrastructure Replacement Project(DIRP), ensuring the District has the financial resources needed for long‑term replacement and rehabilitation of aging infrastructure. By taking a proactive approach, the District aims to prevent costly and disruptive emergency repairs in the future.

The IRF is strictly designated to generate funds for replacing or rehabilitating existing infrastructure as it reaches the end of its useful life. It is not used to expand system capacity for new development, any improvements required to serve new growth are the responsibility of the developer.

The District Infrastructure Replacement Project (DIRP) is a 10‑year initiative focused on replacing water distribution pipelines installed during the 1950s and 1960s, nearly 50 miles of mainline, representing a significant portion of the District’s overall distribution system. Through improved design practices, strengthened coordination with the City of Lakewood, and the use of alternative construction methods, the District aims to reduce the cost per linear foot of pipe replacement, increase the amount of pipeline replaced each year, and ultimately lower long‑term program costs for District ratepayers.

To date, approximately 4 percent of the total program has been completed. By the end of 2026, more than 14 percent is expected to be finished. After that, the District anticipates an annual replacement rate of roughly 11 percent of the total project footage.

Infrastructure Replacement Fee: