The August 18, 2025 program was timely, interesting, and met with enthusiasm by the attendees. S.J. Light, Highlands Ranch Water Board Member, enlightened us on our water in Highlands Ranch and Colorado. In addition, Sam Calkins, HR Water General Manager was on hand to provide operating details on the HR Water Department.
Topics included:
- How does Highlands Ranch Water support Highlands Ranch?
- What is in the news about CO’s water crisis?
- How does the HRW Board represent you?
- What is happening on the Colorado River Basin Compact?
- What are some water savings techniques being tried and how can residents help save water?
In addition to SJ, facts and figures and operating information was deftly provided by Sam Calkins, HR Water General Manager. The meeting discussed the Highlands Ranch Water District’s operations and initiatives. The district, serving 103,000 residents, uses 85% surface water and 15% groundwater. It recently completed a $161 million upgrade to its water treatment plant and is addressing PFAS contamination. The district saved 15.3 million gallons of water in 2022 through conservation efforts. The board, with five members, is actively involved in water conservation and compliance with regulations. The district also collaborates with the Highlands Ranch Metro District on water conservation programs. Upcoming events include tours and educational sessions on water issues.
SJ presented information on the Colorado Water Crisis in general, as well as the various steps that HR Water is taking to mitigate and work within the current crisis environment. Some actions include:
- The district is working with farmers to reduce water usage and adopt new crops and farming practices.
- The district is also promoting Colorado waterwise landscaping to save water and reduce chemical use.
Water Treatment and PFAs
- The district uses carbon-based compounds to remove PFAs from the water.
- The treated water is then sent through the wastewater treatment plant and used as fertilizer by farmers.
- The district is working on upgrading its water treatment plants to meet new environmental regulations.
- The district is also exploring new technologies to further improve water treatment and conservation.
Kari Larese Communications Manager from HR Water was present to provide information about the facility and operations as well as provide various drawing gifts! Thanks Kari!
Others in attendance–Jeff Case, former HR Metro Dept. Manager, Forrest Dykstra, HR Metro Engineer and HRHS Board Member, and Gary Dani, long time early resident.
Thank you to Danny Ruth, HRHS Videographer, 
for videotaping the program, which can be found HERE
To view the Program Photo Gallery
November 2025 Update–Article from the Highlands Ranch Herald of November 6, 2025
Highlands Ranch Water customers may see another increase in costs—Sam Calkins HR General Manager Voices Guest Column–“Careful Consideration goes into water rates.”
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