Allotments and Surcharges: Communications Timeline
At Little Thompson Water District, we know that recent allotment surcharges have caught some customers by surprise. This page is designed to provide clear visibility into when and how we have communicated about allotments, surcharges and tools to help you stay within your annual water use. It is part of our commitment to transparency and education so you can plan ahead and avoid unexpected costs.
What is an allotment?
An allotment is the amount of water assigned to your tap each year based on your tap size and property type, which are determined during the building process. That allotment is your share of a finite resource in our semi-arid region. When use regularly exceeds an allotment, it strains the system and can require the district to secure additional, more expensive water supplies to make up the difference.
Allotment Decision and Communications Timeline
Over the past several years, LTWD has updated its Rules and Regulations, conducted rate studies and used multiple communication channels to explain allotments, rate structures and surcharges. The timeline below documents those efforts so you can see how this work has evolved and where to find more information going forward.
- January 2022: The Board updates Rules and Regulations, including how allotments are determined and how overuse is addressed.
- July 2022: The Board and business manager revise overuse letters and discuss adding consequences into the Rules and Regulations to help bring overusers into compliance.
- August 2022: A rate study recommends creating new tap classifications with higher annual allotments for certain properties.
- December 2022: Additional research is identified as necessary to assign appropriate allotments for non-residential taps.
- June 2023: The District proposes new tap sizes for larger lots to receive larger allotments beginning in 2024, in light of new Century Homes development.
- June 2023: The June newsletter includes allotment and rate education, beginning regular email communication on these topics.
- August 2023: New tap sizes for residential lots are approved and Domestic Water Agreements are updated to include allotment expectations for new homes.
- October 2023: The October newsletter continues education on rates, conservation and allotments.
- December 2023: LTWD sets a 2024 objective to assign allotments to all residential taps in preparation for surcharges in 2025.
- December 2023: Rules and Regulations are updated to include surcharges for several tap types.
- Quarter 1 2024: A districtwide postcard focused on allotments and conservation is mailed to all customers.
- February 2024: Recommendations are made to update Rules and Regulations as part of the Water Efficiency Program.
- February 2024: Four allotment-focused postcards are sent based on account type and usage.
- April 2024: The April newsletter continues to share rate and allotment information.
- May 2024: EyeOnWater usage increases significantly following the Q1 postcard.
- Quarter 4 2024: Another districtwide postcard highlights allotments, rates and tools to prevent surcharges before 2025.
- September 2024: The Board votes to lower Level IV and Level V 5/8-inch residential tap tier rates and approves an $8 surcharge for residential allotment overuse beginning in 2025.
- October 2024: The 2025 budget review confirms the $8 allotment overage surcharge.
- October 2024: The October newsletter provides reminders about rate changes and allotments.
- November 2024: During the public rate hearing, the Board discusses surcharges and explains options such as upsizing a tap to receive a higher allotment.
- January 2025: Allotment surcharges go into effect for residential taps.
- January 2025: The January newsletter explains rate changes and continues allotment education.
- Quarter 1 2025: A postcard is mailed with guidance on staying within allotments and using tools like EyeOnWater.
- Quarter 2 2025: A postcard focuses on avoiding summer overuse and managing irrigation season.
- June 2025: LTWD publishes a blog about allotments and creating water-wise yards.
- July 2025: The July newsletter revisits allotments, conservation programs and summer water-use tips.
- September 2025: EyeOnWater enrollment grows following quarterly communications and a new tutorial video is created and promoted.
- Quarter 4 2025: A postcard again reinforces allotment education and highlights the EyeOnWater tutorial.
- October 2025: The October newsletter explains why allotments are necessary and how customers can avoid surcharges before 2026.
- Since 2022: LTWD has shared regular allotment reminders, conservation tips and EyeOnWater information on social media 1–2 times per month.
If you have questions about your allotment, how surcharges work or how to better manage your annual water use, our team is here to help. Please reach out to us by phone at (970) 532-2096 or email at info@ltwd.org, and we’ll make sure you have the information and resources you need. LTWD is committed to supporting every customer and helping our community use water wisely.
