What is a Watershed?

A watershed is a basin that all of the water on the land's surface flows to; this includes rainwater and snow melt. The management of watersheds is extremely important because watersheds impact factors like the city's supply and quality of water, as well as infrastructure, due to stormwater flooding that can occur.

Our Watershed

The Fountain Creek Watershed, Flood Control & Greenway District was created under SB09-141, established under Title 32 of the CRS. The boundaries, governance, and powers and duties of the District are established through this legislation.

The District consists of El Paso and Pueblo counties and is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of representatives from the cities of Colorado Springs, Fountain, and Pueblo; El Paso and Pueblo counties; small municipalities in El Paso County; the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District; and the FCWD Citizens Advisory Group. A Technical Advisory Committee and Citizens Advisory Group provide input to the Board. Board meetings usually take place on the 3rd Friday of the month at 9 AM unless otherwise noted. Check the calendar for current information.

The District is authorized to manage, administer, and fund the capital improvements necessary in the Fountain Creek Watershed to:

  • Mitigate flooding, erosion and sedimentation
  • Address water quality issues
  • Improve drainage
  • Protect open space
  • Develop public recreational opportunities including open space.

The District has land use authority in the 100-year floodplain between El Paso and Pueblo counties (south of the City of Fountain and north of the City of Pueblo). Outside of this area, the District can provide input to public bodies on land use applications that may have direct or indirect impacts to the watershed.

The District is committed to local outreach and education through hosting events and programs such as the Brewshed Alliance which puts on monthly Liquid Lectures throughout the watershed, Creek Week Cleanup, Great American Cleanup, Scoop the Poop events, and more! Find out how to get involved at www.fountain-crk.org .