Click the link to read the article on The Park County Republican & Fairplay Flume website (Meryl Phair). Here’s an excerpt:

October 2, 2025

A new nonprofit in Hartsel is seeking to raise funds to support a Community Water Station Project that would benefit area residents who struggle with water access. Recently formed this May, the community-driven initiative is rallying residents to support its ongoing efforts through monthly community meetings and an upcoming family-friendly Fall Festival Fundraiser in October.  Angie Mills, Vice President of Hartsel Water, explained that the organization will be applying for funding from the Park County Land and Water Trust Fund (LWTF) with an ask of $2 million, 10% of which would be covered by Hartsel Water. “We’re currently working on trying to raise $200,000,” said Mills. “That’s our primary focus right now.” Mills stressed the strong need for the local water station in Hartsel, as many residents are unable to drill their own wells. “Whether it is for financial reasons or their location,” said Mills. “Closer to town, there’s a lot of hard water, and unless you put it in an expensive filtration system, it makes things tough.” As a result, Mills said that most residents use cisterns, water totes, or drive to other cities to retrieve their water resources, which is not always convenient or even feasible in the rural mountain town. Currently working with an engineer on technicalities, Mills said Hartsel Water has a few potential plots for the station in mind, ideally close to Highway 24 and Highway 9, conveniently located close to town.