The GRAY to GREEN transformation

At Fairway Pines Sanitation District, our primary objective is to ensure the efficient management of waste water while also promoting environmental sustainability. We understand that improper management of wastewater can have a significant impact on the ecosystem, which is why we have implemented various practices and initiatives to mitigate its adverse effects. One of the key aspects of our operations is the transformation of waste into usable reclaimed water suitable for irrigation. By adopting a circular economy approach, we are able to turn wastewater into a beneficial resource, contributing to a cleaner and greener future. How do we do this?

Our sanitation district uses a simple, reliable treatment system designed for small Colorado communities. Each property is required to have a three‑chamber septic tank, where solids settle and remain onsite. Only the clarified liquid from the final chamber flows to the district’s central facility.

At the plant, this liquid enters a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR). In the SBR, the water is aerated, mixed, and allowed to settle in timed cycles, which improves clarity and reduces contaminants. Because the SBR operates in batches, it is well‑suited for small districts with fluctuating daily flows.

After the SBR cycle is complete, the water passes through a sand filter for additional polishing. This step removes fine particles and prepares the water for final disinfection.

The filtered water is collected in a holding tank and then chlorinated to ensure it meets state standards for reuse. Once disinfected, the water is delivered to the local golf course reservoir, where it is used as irrigation water, reducing demand on potable supplies and supporting beneficial reuse.

This combination of onsite septic tanks and centralized treatment allows our district to operate efficiently, protect local groundwater, and return clean, safe water back to the community.