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November 2025 Election FAQs and Community Survey Results

November Election

1.  Who will receive ballots in the upcoming election?

Eligible electors will receive ballots. It is independent of tap holding status.

2.  Who is an eligible elector?

An eligible elector for a special district election is a person who is registered to vote in the State of Colorado and is either:

  • A resident within the district boundaries or area to be included within the district boundaries on Election Day; or
  • The owner (or the spouse or civil union partner of the owner) of taxable real or personal property situated within the district boundaries.
3.  What if I am not served in the District?

People who own real property that is included in the District but are not served will receive ballots.

4.  What if I am registered to vote but don't own a property in the District?

People who are registered to vote at a property that is included in the District (whether they own the property or not) will receive ballots.

5.  Will I receive a ballot if my property is served but not included in the District?

Someone who lives at or owns a property that is served by the District, but not included, will not receive a ballot.

6.  Will all tap holders receive ballots?

Eligibility to vote is independent of tap holding status. Taps are considered personal property, but they are not “taxable personal property” under the pertinent statutes and ownership of one does not make the holder eligible to vote. Therefore, those who own a tap but do not own real property in the District are not eligible to vote.

7.  Who will be impacted if the vote passes?

This ballot issue will only affect property taxes, so only people who own property that is included in the District will see a change in taxes.

8.  Will all Jefferson County voters receive a ballot?

The election is coordinated with Jefferson County and there are other jurisdictions holding elections; it is likely that every voter in Jefferson County will receive a ballot. Only Lookout Mountain Water District eligible electors will receive ballots containing the LMWD ballot issue.

9.  If the vote passes, how much will my property taxes increase?

The average amount of tax increase will be $325/year. This amount will vary depending upon property valuation.

10.  Will the additional tax go on forever, or when will it end?

The tax is tied to the annual payments to repay the new loan, which will be repaid over a maximum of 30 years. After the debt is fully repaid, the tax will end.

Community Survey Results

1.  Why were there demographic questions on the survey?

The demographic questions were to ensure we received representative responses. All information is anonymous and confidential.

2.  Why are we building a tank for Clear Creek High School?

LMWD is obligated to provide a certain amount of fire flow to Clear Creek High School.  Engineers calculated that by providing an adequate-sized storage tank for firefighting purposes, the District would be able to reduce pipe size in the western sections of the mainline up to the 1,000,000-gallon tank.  Reducing the pipe size allows slip-lining of smaller 8" pipe, which also cuts water age in the system.  These savings far outweigh (>10 times) the cost of providing the tank.

3.  What will the impact be on fire flow?

Fire flow will still be adequate in the western sections with the smaller pipe due to the length of pipe and limited water taps.  Clear Creek High School will require the new water storage tank to have adequate fire flow.  Mainline sections east of the 1,000,000-gallon tank will not be impacted due to the fire flow produced by the tank.  A hydrologic model was produced for the District to study these flows, ensure adequate levels, and help explore engineering options for the mainline.

4.  Why are we using PVC pipe? Is it safe?

Some questions have been raised on the survey about PVC pipe.  The design engineers will recommend the best pipe for the long term to meet cost, fire flow, water quality, and strength requirements. The PVC pipe we anticipate will be specified is NIST-certified and very commonly used in drinking water distribution systems. This type of pipe is not manufactured with any PFAS. Any PFAS issues would have to be introduced into the system from outside sources. However, we will continue to ask questions of the engineers and state regulators to ensure long-term water quality is not compromised.

5.  Why did we choose to request a mill levy increase instead of an assessment for each property for an equal amount?

The District is attempting to balance the use of property taxes, which can be used as an income tax deduction, and other revenue sources which are applied equally to all water users.  LMWD expects to continue to increase water rates and the capital charge, mainly to generate capital to help pay for these needed projects.  We understand the individual water users will have different preferences. Hopefully, by taking a balanced approach, the burden of these costs will be fairer to various water users in the District.

In addition, LMWD will continue to hunt for grants and other assistance to lessen the cost burden of these projects on our community.