In response to issues with water clarity, the town of Hot Sulphur Springs has moved forward with initial upgrades to its water treatment plant.

Public works has installed an automatic backwash strainer to help with clarity, and town staff celebrated Jan. 15 with Grand County officials, members of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the Colorado River Water Conservation District.

Nick Rardin, the town’s public works director, told the group the automatic backwash strainer will help the town continue to provide quality drinking water during periods of turbidity in the Colorado River, such as high runoff. In addition, the strainer will assist during environmental incidents, such as when heavy flooding impacts the East Troublesome Fire burn scars near the river — or even in the case of future wildfires.

Rardin added that the strainer would “protect and prolong the life” of filters in the system.

“We couldn’t have done this without your contribution and support,” he told the group.

The town has other improvements slated for its treatment plant, such as lining sewer lines and repairing wastewater infrastructure. The town also is in the process of a project needs assessment with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Once completed, the assessment will give the town a clear direction for infrastructure improvements.

Once improvements have been completed, the town plans to lift its current moratorium on issuing new water and sewer taps.