Cisterns

[Robin Ferruggia]

Hi,
We are having terrible problems with contaminated water with no end in sight. I read about cisterns online. I think getting a 1000 gallon one and having water delivered would work better than the eternal mess we're in now. Do I need a permit from the County to do this?
Thanks.
Robin Ferruggia

[John Kefalas]

I will forward your inquiry to the appropriate staff to provide an nformed answer. Thank you, Robin, and please take good care. Clean water is a precious resource.

	John Kefalas (he/him) County Commissioner, District 1
	Commissioners' Office 200 W Oak St | 2nd Floor PO Box 1190, Fort Collins, CO 80522-1190 W: (970) 498-7001 Cell:  (720) 254-7598 jkef...@larimer.org | www.larimer.org

[Robin Ferruggia]

Yes, thank you!

Robin

[Robin Ferruggia]

Please be advised that CDPHE has placed the community of Pinewood Springs under an enforcement order. We have been under that order for years with no improvement in the water quality. The water is unsafe to drink, and according to Karin Pacheco, MD, MPH at National Jewish Health, is also unsafe to bathe or shower in.

The District has indicated that it could be years if ever before the problems are corrected. Dr. Pacheco has informed me that most whole house water filtration systems will not work because they do not work for all of the many serious contaminants involved. Those few that do cost thousands and there would need to be a need to relocate the shut off valve from the crawlspace which is inaccessible to me due to disability and that will cost thousands more, plus cost of the plumber.

A cistern with water hauled can quickly provide safe, clean water for drinking and other needs. I only use about 700-900 gallons a month and can get an inexpensive one.

The ongoing failure of the Water District to correct these problems over a period of many years and many enforcement orders from CDPHE is totally unacceptable.

Thanks.

Robin Ferruggia

On Tue, Mar 17, 2026 at 8:35 AM Keila Flores-Burgos <flor...@co.larimer.co.us> wrote:

Hi Robin, 

Thank you for reaching out, and I’m sorry to hear about the issues you’re experiencing with your water supply.

Before determining whether a cistern would be a viable option, we would first want to better understand the situation. Specifically, it would be helpful to know why the water is believed to be contaminated and whether your property is served by a community or public water system.

If you are connected to a community or public water provider, you would likely need to coordinate with that entity before installing a cistern. In many cases, property owners are still required to participate in the system (including any applicable taxes, fees, or memberships), even if they choose to install a cistern.

Additionally, site conditions can impact whether a cistern is feasible. For example, if the property is difficult to access for water delivery trucks, a cistern may not be allowed.

If you could please provide the property address, we would be happy to look into your specific situation and provide more tailored guidance. We may also want to set up a time to discuss further once we have that information.

Please let me know if you have any questions in the meantime

--

Best Regards,

	Keila Y Flores-Burgos Water Quality & Solid Waste Supervisor
	Department of Health & Environment 1525 Blue Spruce Dr., Fort Collins, CO, 80524 W: (970) 498-6763 |  kfl...@larimer.org | www.larimer.org