Water Information Partner Spotlight

Q&A with Matt Nesbitt, Lake Durango Water Authority – General Manager

The Water Information Program (WIP) spoke with Matt Nesbitt, Lake Durango Water Authority General Manager, which has been a WIP partner for many years.

Q: For those who aren’t familiar with Lake Durango Water Authority, tell us a bit more about your organization:   

Nesbitt: The Lake Durango Water Company sold in 2007 and with the help of Durango West 1 Metro District, Durango West 2 Metro District, and La Plata County they formed the Lake Durango Water Authority in 2009. This helped the three partners have a say in the future and distribution of their drinking water. We have 350 miles of pipe, 2300 customers and a very well rounded crew who take pride in what they do.

Q: In the past you have been involved in various areas of transportation and aspects of improving rural transportation around southwest Colorado, is that right?

Nesbitt: I managed different transportation departments over the years and formed many relationships over the southwest and western slope. Because of our geography and different seasons, you learn really quick that you must always have a plan A, B or C to keep services running. I have lots of respect for all my staff over the years making tough decisions to keep the public safe. I truly value all the relationships that were built because we overcame difficult situations.

Q: How did you get involved in the world of water?

Nesbitt: I joined my metro district board and started asking questions? I wanted to know how and why we had restrictions in years past? I wanted to know about water quality, distribution and maintenance plans. I wanted to get involved and be a part of the solution since we are seeing very scary times in the near future with the Colorado River. I also like the balancing act of it and I try to understand the agricultural needs and recreational needs.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.

Nesbitt: I grew up in Gunnison Colorado with a great family and lots of hobbies. We worked hard and once our chores were done, we played hard. I am very fortunate in the sense that my parents supported me and my siblings in whatever hobby or sport we were involved in. For me it was always hockey and we traveled playing teams across Colorado and New Mexico. In 2005 I moved to Durango to attend Fort Lewis College and really enjoyed the area. After I graduated I decided this is it, I’m going to figure out a way to stay in this area and buy a house. Looking back, it all went really fast but I have really enjoyed getting involved with the community. I take pride in cleaning up the trails in Hermosa just as much as I take pride in coaching youth hockey. It means a lot to me when I hear that the kids I coached years ago are doing well and even graduating college. Time flies!

Q: What are the biggest water challenges facing southwest Colorado?

Nesbitt: Ongoing drought is a major factor for the southwest and the increasing demand is not helping. Each winter is a guessing game to see if we have a good snowpack and then we wonder if we will get a monsoon season. The dust on snow is another issue causing our snowpack to melt faster earlier in the spring. There is not a single answer to fixing these issues but to get educated and conserve water.

Q: What are three aspects of southwest Colorado’s watersheds that you find unique/intriguing?

Nesbitt: San Miguel Watershed runs 80 beautiful miles and is wonderful to raft. The Piedra watershed is beautiful, rugged and has great fishing. Animas River watershed is full of rich history and covers 1,100 square miles (in Colorado).

Q: Why does Lake Durango Water Authority value water education? 

Nesbitt: Education brings awareness which in turn brings more involvement in the future. Keeping our youth educated on water will only help raise better stewards of the land.

Q: What question do you wish we had asked you?

Nesbitt: Who do you want to be like when you grow up??  Lanny McDonald– for his leadership qualities. Inducted in 1992  Hockey Hall of Fame. 2017 Inducted into Canada’s Sport Hall of Fame.

More information on Lake Durango Water Authority can be found here.