Lakewood’s new citywide zoning ordinance was adopted without an analysis of whether existing water and sewer systems can safely support the level of growth it would allow. 

State law requires cities to coordinate with water providers and consider infrastructure capacity during longterm planning.  Lakewood did not follow this requirement when developing the new zoning ordinance, which would allow significantly higher density.  

Green Mountain Water and Sanitation District (GMWSD) has filed a complaint with the Jefferson County courts related to the zoning ordinance, specifically to ensure all future growth is supported by adequate water and sewer infrastructure. 

GMWSD raised concerns regarding the lack of coordination and formally requested mediation, but this did not occur. As a result, the district has asked the court to require coordination and planning before the new zoning takes effect within GMWSD’s service area. 

Our responsibility is to protect reliable water service, fire protection, public health, and environmental compliance by ensuring our infrastructure can safely support the growth. 

FAQs 

• Why does zoning affect water and sewer systems? 
• Higher density means more demand. Water pressure, fire protection, and sewer systems have design limits that must be evaluated before growth occurs. 
   
• Is GMWSD trying to stop new housing? 
• No. GMWSD’s role is to ensure that growth is planned in a manner that provides adequate water and sewer capacity to protect public health and safety. 
   
• Did GMWSD try to work with the City before going to court? 
• Yes. The District submitted a formal objection and requested mediation, as required by state law. 
   
• What is GMWSD asking the court to do? 
• Require coordination, mediation, and infrastructure planning before the new zoning is implemented in the District’s service area.
   
• Why are you paying more legal fees when you just raised rates? 
• The potential infrastructure upgrades to support the new zoning requirements are significant and would have significant costs to rate payers. We believe it is our responsibility to rate payers to ensure appropriate consideration.  Short-term costs today may be less than long-term costs 
   
• Will my water or sewer service be affected right now? 
• No. There is no immediate impact to current water or sewer service. 
   
• Will my billing rates be affected? 
• GMWSD is planning a new master study for 2025 to help impact assessment. The results of the study will determine how the new zoning will impact billing rates. 
   
• Can’t you just bill the developer more later? 
• Only in some cases, such as adding an apartment. Lakewood’s new zoning now contradicts with GMWSD’s established rates of single-family usage. There is no way to tell which properties will have additional usage so all District rate-payers will bear the cost.