Colorado Foundation for Water Education board member Lisa Darling, a leader with 25 years of experience in Colorado water resources, is the new executive director of the South Metro Water Supply Authority. Darling has served on the CFWE board since 2012.

Darling will work with SMWSA’s 13 water provider members to continue the region’s progress toward securing a sustainable water future for its residents. Together, SMWSA members provide water to 80 percent of Douglas County and 10 percent of Arapahoe County.

“Lisa is a highly respected leader on Colorado water resources with a proven ability to advance our agenda for meeting the water needs of generations to come in the South Denver Metro area,” said Dave Kaunisto, president of the SMWSA board of directors. “She will be a tremendous advocate for our members as we continue to implement our strategic plan.”

Darling served 18 years with Aurora Water, the state’s third-largest water utility. For the past 10 years she managed the South Platte River Program. In that role she worked closely with SMWSA on the Water Infrastructure and Supply Efficiency Partnership (WISE), a key component of the south metro region’s plan to transition to a renewable water supply. She also played a key leadership role in the Prairie Waters Project, a major component of Aurora’s plan to secure additional renewable supplies.

“I am honored and excited to work with South Metro Water Supply Authority’s members to advance their vision and continue the remarkable progress the region has made toward a sustainable water future,” Darling said. “I look forward to continuing the organization’s collaboration and partnership with leaders across the region and state.”

As part of her role, Darling will also lead the South Metro WISE Authority, which is responsible for completing the construction of and operating WISE.

The WISE project is a key component to the region’s plans to secure new sustainable sources of water. With collaboration among 10 SMWSA members, Denver Water, Aurora Water and East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District (ECCV), the project represents the largest partnership in the region’s history to invest in water infrastructure. When complete, WISE will create a significant new renewable supply for participating South Metro members. In turn, Denver will receive a new backup supply, and Aurora will get funds to offset costs of the Prairie Waters Project.

The South Denver Metro region has made tremendous progress toward its strategic goals over the past 12 years thanks to aggressive efforts to conserve water, maximize efficiency and invest in renewable water supplies. The region is on track to meet projected demand for the region as far out as 2065, though more work is needed to ensure that happens, according to a recent update to the region’s master plan.

“The South Metro Water Supply Authority has established itself as a leader in a number of important areas, including maximizing efficiency, developing strategic partnerships to bring online new renewable supplies and expanding storage,” Darling said. “Together with our leadership and members, we will continue to lead with an eye toward protecting and enhancing the quality of life of our region and the state.”

Darling will work with members to continue that progress with a focus on four key areas:

• Securing additional renewable supplies
• Developing additional storage
• Managing water quality
• Conserving and maximizing water efficiency

About South Metro Water Supply Authority (SMWSA)

The South Metro Water Supply Authority is a regional water authority comprised of 13 water provider members that collectively serve about 80 percent of the population of Douglas County and 10 percent of Arapahoe County. SMWSA was established in 2004 to develop and execute a plan to provide a secure and sustainable water future for the region.

Through increased negotiating power and collaborative support for new projects, SMWSA is transforming the region’s water supply and creating a sustainable future for generations to come. For more information, visit: southmetrowater.org.