Surface water storage filled with renewable water can reduce reliance on the Denver Basin Aquifer. Surface water storage infrastructure can take decades for approval after environmental studies and permit reviews. One such project is Reuter-Hess Reservoir in Parker,CO. the expanded project will hold 72,000 acre-feet of water (An ac-ft = ~ 326,000 gallons), which will make it approximately 1.5 times the size of Cherry Creek Reservoir (Michlewicz, 2008). In addition to providing water for a growing community the reservoir will offer a buffer from the endless rooftops sprouting up across Douglas County. Partnering with Parker Water are Castle Rock, Castle Pines North and Stonegate, the partners will share reservoir storage and costs for the project. The reservoir will be filled with treated water from waste water plants and renewable Cherry Creek alluvial (shallow wells along the creek) in addition to storm events on Cherry Creek. The storm events will be captured at a diversion dam on Cherry Creek and them pumped uphill to the reservoir.
Works cited:
Michlewicz, C. (2008, May 01). Reservoir is key to county’s future. Retrieved June 8,
2008, from http://www.parkerchronicle.com/site/tab8.cfm?newsid=1965399
8&BRD=2713&PAG=461&dept_id=559193&rfi=6
2008, from http://www.parkerchronicle.com/site/tab8.cfm?newsid=1965399
8&BRD=2713&PAG=461&dept_id=559193&rfi=6
Images used with permission from Parker Water and Sanitation District
3 comments:
New housing sprawl is a big problem. I hope that the Reuterhess Reservoir is going to be able to take care of the problem. Hopefully it is not just a band-aid for a bigger problem.
This does make you wonder why in world since we live in a desert do we insist on "green lawns."
If this reservoir comes through and saves provides douglas county with the water they need in the future. Hopefully other counties will take it upon themselves to start doing something for their future.
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