El Paso County to weigh water supply for Bradley Point subdivision
A proposed finding would resolve a water-sufficiency question deferred in 2023, but it would not approve new development plans; final plat recording would still require additional steps.
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El Paso County commissioners are scheduled to consider a water-sufficiency finding for Bradley Point’s 9.736-acre, two-lot industrial subdivision at a Nov. 12 hearing, according to the county’s meeting listing. The proposed finding would address a water decision deferred when the subdivision was approved in 2023; it would not approve new development plans.
The 2023 approval limited the property to uses that do not require central water and wastewater service. Bradley Point LLC and M&S Civil Consultants are seeking a finding that water is sufficient in quality, quantity and dependability, County staff’s hearing materials say.
Security Water and Sanitation District has committed to provide up to 6.68 acre-feet of water annually. The State Engineer’s review says the supply appears adequate and could be provided without material injury to existing water rights if used under applicable law. Its demand estimate includes 2.24 acre-feet for industrial use and 4.44 for irrigation. A water-resources report estimated 3.68 acre-feet for irrigation, plus 0.76 acre-foot for possible future irrigation; with industrial use, that would total 6.68 acre-feet.
The County Attorney’s October review uses a lower annual demand estimate of 2.28 acre-feet: 2.24 for industrial use on 0.46 acres and about 0.04 for irrigation. It recommends finding the water quantity and dependability sufficient based on that estimate, which amounts to 684 acre-feet over 300 years. The hearing materials do not explain the difference between the County Attorney’s irrigation estimate and the other estimates.
If commissioners approve the amendment, requirements would remain before the final plat could be recorded. The County Attorney calls for an updated letter of intent addressing water sufficiency and removing references to a “dry subdivision,” as well as deletion of Note 10 from the plat. Public Health’s water-quality finding is contingent on confirmation of the district’s commitment. The applicant and future lot owners would also have to meet the district’s requirements, and conditions from the 2023 approval would remain in effect.