Colorado School District Disputes Water Supply for Fighting Fires

Disagreement with water district puts school's firefighting capabilities in jeopardy

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:15pm

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A dispute between the Clear Creek School District and the Lookout Mountain Water District in Colorado has put the school's future firefighting water supply in question. The water district informed the school district that a planned pipeline upgrade would reduce the amount of water delivered to the school, potentially limiting water flow during an emergency. The school district had initially discussed plans with the water district to build a dedicated water storage tank on school property to support the fire suppression system, but the water district later backed out of the plan, citing voter concerns.

Why it matters

This dispute raises serious concerns about public safety and the ability of the school to adequately protect students and staff in the event of a fire. The lack of a reliable water supply for firefighting could put lives at risk and create a dangerous situation for the entire community.

The details

The issue surfaced last June when the Lookout Mountain Water District informed the Clear Creek School District that a planned pipeline upgrade would reduce the amount of water delivered to the school. The water district said the smaller-diameter pipe could limit water flow during an emergency. The school district had initially discussed plans with the water district to build a dedicated water storage tank on school property to support the fire suppression system, but in October, the water district notified the school district that it would no longer pay for the water storage tank, citing voter concerns revealed through polling.

  • In June 2025, the Lookout Mountain Water District informed the Clear Creek School District that a planned pipeline upgrade would reduce the amount of water delivered to the school.
  • In September 2025, the water district presented a plan to the school board that included the delivery of a water tank and a proposed tax increase to help fund the project, with construction potentially starting as early as spring 2026 if the ballot measure passed.
  • In October 2025, the water district notified the school district that it would no longer pay for the water storage tank.

The players

Clear Creek School District

The school district that is in a dispute with the Lookout Mountain Water District over the water supply for fighting fires at its schools.

Lookout Mountain Water District

The water provider that informed the Clear Creek School District that a planned pipeline upgrade would reduce the amount of water delivered to the school, potentially limiting water flow during an emergency.

Wesley Paxton

The superintendent of the Clear Creek School District, who said the water district's reversal on the water storage tank plan was a "bait and switch."

Kelly Flenniken

A former school board member whose daughter attends Clear Creek Middle and High School, and who expressed concerns about the dispute and the uncertainty it has created.

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What they’re saying

“I never imagined we wouldn't have enough water to put out a fire.”

— Kelly Flenniken, Former school board member (cbsnews.com)

“They asked me to meet with them about building a water storage facility here at the school site.”

— Wesley Paxton, Superintendent, Clear Creek School District (cbsnews.com)

“They told us their constituents weren't comfortable voting for something that would provide storage for water at the school.”

— Wesley Paxton, Superintendent, Clear Creek School District (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Clear Creek School District is considering legal action to halt construction of the pipeline project and force further negotiations with the Lookout Mountain Water District. An injunction, if granted, would pause the pipeline project altogether, which could create additional funding issues for the water district.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the importance of reliable and adequate water supplies for public safety, especially in the context of schools and their fire suppression systems. It underscores the need for strong partnerships and communication between local government entities to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.