ARVADA — Floodwaters spared the majority of Arvada earlier this month, but residents city-wide are still feeling the effects at their kitchen sink.
The quality of Arvada’s tap water is an ongoing issue, city spokeswoman Wendy Forbes said, as the city’s two water treatment plants continue to deal with high turbidity, or sediment levels, caused by the influx of muddy floodwaters into the city’s reservoirs.
It could be the end of the month before city water — specifically its taste and appearance — returns to pre-flood levels, Forbes said.
“The color of the water, the smell of the water, the taste of the water is different than what our customers have come to expect,” Forbes said. “It’s healthy and safe to drink, but it looks different.”
Outdoor watering restrictions in Arvada were lifted Sept. 20 after the second treatment plant was brought back on-line.
The total cost of flood-related damage is still being calculated, Forbes said. With the addition of Jefferson County to the disaster declaration, Arvada and Arvada residents are eligible for FEMA assistance.
The worst of the flooding was felt on the city’s west side, including the areas near Leyden Creek and the Croke Canal. Seven residential structures have reported flood damage in that area, Forbes said.
Westwoods Golf Course experienced “significant” damage and is anticipating revenue losses in the ballpark of $150,000, according to city officials.
The course re-opened under limited 9-hole operations Sept. 18 and added another nine holes of play Sept. 20. The Cottonwood Nine, though, could be closed for two to three more weeks.
At the peak of flooding, the bathroom on the 14th hole was full of water 3 feet deep.
All 109 bunkers on the course were also damaged, in many instances the sand washing out completely, Forbes said. Restoration work has already begun but it will take months to complete.
“There are 18 holes now and we hope people will go out and play,” Forbes said. “But the most popular course — the Cottonwood Nine — sustained really bad damage.”
At least six bridges in the city parks system, including Westwoods, were also seriously damaged or destroyed. That number is expected to increase as floodwaters recede and more bridges are inspected, Forbes said.
All but one road that was closed due to flooding has reopened.
The last road barricade — Indiana Street at West 78th Avenue — will likely stay in place for at least another week or two, she said.
Repair of the underground water line began Sept. 21-22.
“The city is trying to hurry up and get that fixed, but we can’t predict when areas north of the city will be fixed,” Forbes said. “That’s under the obligation of CDOT.”
Emilie Rusch: 303-954-2457 or erusch@denverpost.com
