After noticing declining revenues for a water station in the northwest corner of Cortez, the City Council authorized the public works department to replace the dock’s faulty machinery, working with a contractor starting at more than $75,000.
Casey Simpson, interim director of public works in Cortez, told council members on Tuesday that he became aware of declining revenues for the city’s sole water dock in June.
Looking into the matter, Simpson said the dock’s components were “pretty aged,” “weathered” and hampered by technical issues.
“They're having to use a conversion nozzle to get the 2-inch water into a 3-inch hose, which causes the public to struggle in some cases,” Simpson said.
The water station is in the City Service Center within Cortez’s Industrial Park, close to the Geer Natural Area. Water available at the dock comes from the Dolores River Watershed, through the McPhee Reservoir, according to the city’s website.
Simpson said much of the station’s revenue comes from tourists, such as RV travelers.
Water rates for the dock are $13.12 for 500 gallons, or $12.60 with a water dock card, according to rates passed by the City Council for 2025.
“Where are people getting water when our station is not functional?” Cortez Mayor Rachel Medina asked Simpson.
Simpson replied that other water stations are available in the area; several on Navajo Nation, with more in La Plata County, as well as Dolores, Lewis and Dove Creek, he said.
Simpson and the public works department secured a contract with Flowpoint Environmental Systems, one of the few companies offering the service, to replace the station starting at more than $75,000. Council members voted unanimously for the city manager to negotiate from there.
