Water use above national average

MEEKER — The Town of Meeker will use video cameras to inspect one of the six town wells that is not producing the expected water flow. It has been suggested there may be something blocking part of the 15-foot screen.
An overview of the town’s water report prepared by a hydrologist and water rights attorneys put Meeker’s water supply and water rights in a good place. According to data provided, Meeker currently diverts about 130 gallons per individual per day, which is slightly higher than the national average. Bulk water takes up about 10 percent of the total water usage.
Questions about growth and water use — residential, agricultural and industrial — reveal a peak day demand of approximately 2.3 cubic feet per second. At a projected growth rate of 5 percent, the current supply would support a population of 10,000 at the same usage rate.
Trustee Regas Halandras suggested contacting the City of Alamosa to offer water from Meeker to help mitigate Alamosa’s current water problem.
In other town business, the board approved a liquor license renewal for Andrea’s Market Street Grill, LLC. Police Chief Bob Hervey said in a memo the establishment had 34 calls last year, of which 18 were disturbances.
“This is the second year concerns have been raised,” said Mayor Loshbaugh. The board approved the license with contingencies.
The trustees awarded the paving project south of and including Water Street to United Paving, which had the low bid of $764,051.
“This project was estimated in December at $700,000 but with what is going on with asphalt prices no one was surprised. We’re doing a lot of asphalt this year, 23-1/2 blocks,” said Town Manager Sharon Day.