Follow the source of Bridal Veils Falls, up above the rushing cataract, to a lovely high basin, and you will find a body of clear mountain water called Blue Lake. To the town of Telluride, Blue Lake is the centerpiece of a plan years in the making to secure a clean and ample source of water for its residents. Telluride wants to tap the lake, pipe the water down Bridal Veil basin to a plant at the terminus of the box canyon, then disperse it among the municipality down valley. But much of the land and the senior water rights involved in this plan belong to Idarado. And during negotiations between Idarado and the town, quarrels arose over water and infrastructure rights that have resulted in legal action, failed mediation sessions, and claims that the town’s water plant could jeopardize Idarado’s obligation to keep the San Miguel River clean.

To view the full article, visit the Telluride Daily Planet. For a copy of the original article contact the WIP at (970) 247-1302 or stop by the office at 841 East Second Avenue in Durango.