Moving to Manitou Springs or counting down to closing? Getting utilities and services set up early makes a big difference on move-in day. This guide walks you through who to call, how to start service, local rules that affect daily life, and the emergency numbers to save. You will also find tips to avoid surprise fees and missed pickups. Let’s dive in.
Quick-start checklist
- Confirm which utilities are active and gather any existing account numbers from the seller or landlord.
- Start or transfer electric and natural gas with Colorado Springs Utilities.
- Open your City of Manitou Springs water and sewer account.
- Enroll for city residential trash and recycling, then choose your container size.
- Check internet availability by exact address before you pick a plan.
- Photograph your water, electric, and gas meters on move-in day.
- Save outage and emergency phone numbers where you can find them fast.
- If you plan upgrades, review local rebates and assistance programs.
Who provides what in Manitou Springs
Electricity and natural gas
Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) provides both electric and natural gas service for Manitou Springs. You can start or transfer service online or by phone, and CSU operates a 24-hour line for outages and emergencies. Contact CSU a few business days before move-in to schedule your start date and to ask about any deposit or ID requirements. Learn more on the CSU customer page: Colorado Springs Utilities contact and start service.
Water and sewer
The City of Manitou Springs manages local water and wastewater. New accounts are opened through the city’s utility service process, and the Utility Office can help with routine questions or urgent needs. The city is also upgrading meters, which may require a scheduled visit. Start here: City of Manitou Springs Water and Sewer.
If you receive mail about the meter upgrade, follow the scheduling steps. Details are posted on the Water Meter Replacement Project.
Trash and recycling
Manitou Springs uses a citywide single-hauler program for residential trash and recycling, serviced by Republic Services. Most routes are picked up on Tuesdays, with rules for container placement, wildlife-resistant cans, and bulky-item scheduling. Review current guidelines and the service calendar on the city’s Garbage and Refuse page.
Internet, TV, and phone
Availability varies by street. Cable, fiber, DSL, fixed wireless, satellite, and 5G home internet options can all be present in the area. Always run an address lookup before choosing a plan and ask about installation timing. A good starting point is Spectrum’s local availability page: Check internet availability by address.
Mail and motor vehicles
The downtown Manitou Springs Post Office serves the community with PO boxes and retail services. For vehicle registration, titling, and renewals, use the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Motor Vehicle resources. Fee and process details are posted here: El Paso County Motor Vehicle.
How to set up or transfer service
Confirm existing services. Ask the seller or landlord which utilities are active, note account names, meter numbers, and any outstanding balances.
Open water and sewer. Submit the city’s utility service request and confirm your start date. If your meter is inside a basement or crawlspace, plan for a technician visit.
Start electric and gas. Request CSU service start for your move-in date. Ask for a meter read if available and confirm deposit requirements.
Enroll in trash and recycling. Follow the city’s single-hauler instructions, select container sizes, confirm your pickup day, and review rules for bulky items.
Choose internet. Check availability by exact address and schedule installation. If a new line is needed, plan for a technician visit and allow extra lead time.
What you need handy
Have a government ID, proof of local address such as a lease or settlement statement, your preferred start date, and for rentals a landlord or property manager contact. Some providers may request a Social Security number or a deposit. CSU and the city both accept online start requests and provide phone support. See CSU customer support for options.
Meter readings and access
On move-in day, photograph your electric, gas, and water meter readings and share them with your providers to avoid estimated bills. Manitou’s meter upgrade program requires appointments at many homes. Learn more about scheduling on the Water Meter Replacement Project page.
Local rules and schedules to know
Trash and wildlife safeguards
Manitou Springs enforces rules to reduce wildlife conflicts. Store containers properly, place them out only during the allowed window, and remove them within the posted time after pickup. Many homes use wildlife-resistant containers. Review the city’s current requirements and route info on Garbage and Refuse.
Water quality and service lines
The city publishes annual Consumer Confidence Reports and is conducting a service-line inventory. You may receive notices if your service-line material is unknown. You can also learn about the cross-connection and backflow program for irrigation or boilers. See Water Quality in Manitou Springs.
Snow, streets, and digging
Public Works maintains streets, stormwater, and snow operations. If you plan any digging or landscaping, call Colorado 811 before you dig to locate buried utility lines, then coordinate any needed permits. Contacts and program links are on Public Works.
Billing, payments, and savings
CSU payment options and cost updates
CSU offers multiple payment methods, including online My Account, kiosks, mail, and in-person options. Check available choices here: CSU billing and payment options. CSU also posts periodic fuel and cost adjustments that affect electric and gas bills. For current updates, see CSU cost adjustments.
City water and sewer billing
The City of Manitou Springs uses Xpress Bill Pay for water and sewer. Due dates and late-fee rules are posted on city finance and water pages. Start with the city’s Water and Sewer page to find forms and contacts.
Trash and recycling billing
Under the single-hauler program, billing may come directly from the hauler or be coordinated by the city. Verify how your address is set up when you enroll and ask about bulky-item fees or special service requests.
Emergency contacts and when to call
Power and gas
For power outages or gas emergencies, contact Colorado Springs Utilities’ 24-hour line at 719-448-4800. For any life-threatening emergency or if you smell gas, call 911 first, then notify CSU. Find options on CSU contact and outage resources.
Water and sewer
Use the city’s water and sewer emergency line for urgent issues outside business hours. For routine questions, contact the Utility Office during business hours. Start here for numbers and forms: Water and Sewer.
Missed trash pickup
If your cart was not serviced, contact the hauler listed on the city page and follow the posted escalation steps. See city guidance on Garbage and Refuse.
Call before you dig
Always contact Colorado 811 before any digging project to prevent damage to buried lines. Public Works maintains links and guidance on Public Works.
Make your move smoother
Moving to a mountain town brings a few extra details, from wildlife-ready trash to steep-street logistics. If you want a local partner who can help you navigate utilities, timing, and trusted contractors while you buy or sell, reach out to The Sims Home Team. We live and work along the Pikes Peak corridor and are here to help you settle in with confidence.
FAQs
How do you start electric and gas service with CSU?
- Create or log in to My Account and request a start date, or call CSU customer support to open service a few business days before move-in; have your ID, address, preferred start date, and meter access details ready. See CSU contact and start service.
What day is trash pickup in Manitou Springs?
- Most residential routes are collected on Tuesdays, but schedules can vary by street and holiday; check the city’s current calendar and rules on Garbage and Refuse.
Which internet providers serve Manitou Springs addresses?
- Availability is address-specific and can include cable, fiber, DSL, fixed wireless, satellite, or 5G home internet; run an address lookup before you order, starting with Spectrum’s availability page.
Who handles water and sewer billing in Manitou Springs?
- The City of Manitou Springs bills for water and sewer and uses Xpress Bill Pay; find forms, contacts, and billing details on Water and Sewer.
What emergency numbers should new residents save?
- Save CSU’s 24-hour line at 719-448-4800 for power and gas; the City of Manitou Springs’ water and sewer emergency line and Utility Office numbers from Water and Sewer; and call 911 first for any life-threatening emergency.
