Public Works

The Public Works Department is comprised of five divisions:  The Streets Division, The Water Division, The Wastewater Division, The Fleet Division, and the Facilities Division. These Divisions are responsible for the streets and alleys of the Town, the treatment and distribution of potable water, the collection and treatment of wastewater, the procurement and maintenance of the Town automobile fleet, and the repair and maintenance of Town owned property, respectively. 

Seasonal Watering Regulations

• Even-numbered addresses: Water on even-numbered days
• Odd-numbered addresses: Water on odd-numbered days
• Allowed hours: 5:00–10:00 a.m. and 5:00–10:00 p.m.

Need to water more frequently (e.g., for new lawns)? Contact the Marshal’s Department at 970-349-5231 to request a watering permit.

Divisions

Streets Division

The Streets Division of the Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining the Town's streets and alleys, signage, snow removal, construction and the Dyer Maintenance Shop.  For more information on street maintenance see the appropriate sidebar to your left.  The Streets Division is located at the Public Works Shop at 2 B N 8th Street and can be reached at 970-349-0736.   

Street Maintenance

The Streets Division maintains streets, alleys, shoulders, and parking lots. Annual tasks include crack sealing, pothole repair, grading, drainage, curb painting, signage, crosswalks, and dust control.

A major street upgrade is planned every 5 years, covering new construction or reconstruction. These projects are funded by a dedicated property tax mill levy.

Snow Removal Overview

The Streets Division manages snow removal on town streets, business district alleys, and public parking areas. The Parks and Recreation Department clears designated sidewalks.

Snow Removal Policy

• Streets are plowed when snowfall reaches 3 inches or more.
• Designated sidewalks are cleared at 1 inch of snow.
• Most plowing occurs between 12:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to avoid traffic and parked vehicles.
• Winter parking regulations are in effect from November 1 to April 30. Vehicles must alternate sides of the street nightly to allow balanced snow distribution.

Street Surface Conditions

The Town does not maintain bare streets or use de-icing chemicals. Snow may build up, especially during the day. Sand is applied only as needed. Sixth Street is the exception and is treated by the State.

Property Owner Responsibilities

Property owners are responsible for clearing snow from their driveways, walkways, and adjacent sidewalks. Items placed within the Town right-of-way (60–80 feet wide) are not protected from damage during plowing.

Gravel Pit Snow Storage & Hauling Restrictions

The Town uses the gravel pit for permanent snow storage and leases space to contractors for snow from private properties. To ensure safety near Crested Butte Community School, snow hauling is restricted during student drop-off and pick-up Monday-Friday 8:00-8:45 and 3:15-3:45

Water Division

The Water Division of Crested Butte’s Public Works Department manages the treatment and distribution of safe, clean drinking water to the community. Our water comes from Coal Creek, and it goes through a comprehensive treatment process that includes oxidation, membrane filtration, pH adjustment, and chlorination to ensure quality and safety. If you have questions, contact the Water Treatment Plant at 970-349-0885.

Water Meters

• All properties—both new construction and existing buildings—are required to have water meters.
• To request a meter, contact the Water Division at 970-349-0885.
  For water meter pricing, tap fees, and water rates, visit the Utility Billing page.

Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

Backflow prevention is critical to protecting the Town’s drinking water from contamination. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requires annual testing of all backflow prevention devices on commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties.

The Town’s Cross Connection Control Program includes:

• Property surveys for potential cross connections
• Required installation of approved backflow devices
• Enforcement of annual testing requirements

Non-compliance may result in penalties. For more details, see Town Code Chapter 13, Article 3.

Local Backflow Assembly Testers
For Fire Suppression Systems:

• Western Slope Fire & Safety: 970-641-4741
• Dynamic Fire Protection Systems, Inc.: 970-626-3357

For All Other Backflow Devices:

• Alpha Mechanical: 970-641-4157
• Mountain Rain Co: 970-216-5230
• Western Slope Fire & Safety: 970-641-4741

Wastewater Division

The Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department is responsible for the collection and treatment of wastewater, as well as, provides a septic waste dump station.  In addition, the Wastewater Division operates a cooperative observer weather station for the National Weather Service.  The Wastewater Plant is located at 801 Butte Avenue and personnel can be reached at 970-349-5530.   

Treatment System Summary

• Pretreatment: Fine screening & grit removal
• Main Treatment: Activated sludge (MLE process) & secondary clarification
• Disinfection: Ultraviolet (UV) light
• Effluent Discharge: To the Slate River
• Biosolids: Dewatered and either composted or sent to the Gunnison County Landfill

For wastewater rates and tap fees, or water/trash billing information, contact the Finance Department at 970-349-5338.

Septic/RV Dump Station

• Status: CLOSED
• Location: Across from the Wastewater Facility at 801 Butte Avenue
• Hours (Seasonal): 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. for non-commercial RVs & campers
• Fees (pay at yellow tube):
  • RV/Bus Waste: $15 per load
  • Water Fill Only: $5
  • Septic Tank/Portable Toilet Waste: $30/load + $0.20 per gallon

Commercial vehicles must call 970-349-5530 to schedule and complete the Commercial Septic Waste Manifest.

Wipes Clog Pipes

Flushing wipes, rags, towelettes, plastics, or latex down the toilet causes clogged pipes, sewer backups, and costly repairs. These materials:

• Create blockages in pipes that can lead to wastewater overflowing into homes, businesses, and streets.
• Clog and damage pumps that move wastewater, leading to premature equipment failure.
• Don’t break down during wastewater treatment and must be manually removed, increasing wear on equipment.

Costly repairs to the sewer system and treatment plant raise sewer rates for everyone.

Remember: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Wipes Clog Pipes—no matter what the label says!

Watershed Protection

The Town of Crested Butte’s drinking water comes from Coal Creek. To protect water quality, the Town has established a Watershed Protection District.

Any activity that could impact the watershed—such as residential construction, sewage systems, roadwork, logging, mining, or soil/water disturbance—requires submitting a Watershed Protection District Application and Submittal Status Report.