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Critics Question Arapahoe County Water Deal

DENVER (AP) - Arapahoe County water officials have a contract to pay market prices of $153 million up front for water that hasn't yet been legally approved for municipal use.

Critics and water experts tell The Denver Post that the deal with United Water and Sanitation District raises questions.

The Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority didn't seek competing bids for the water, but it wasn't required to do so. The Denver Post reports the deal was reached in 2009 with little public scrutiny.

Water customers' bills have risen to pay for the project.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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