Current Projects

Rueter-Hess Reservoir 

The construction of Rueter-Hess Reservoir is well underway.  The expansion from 16,200 acre feet to 72,000 acre feet is expected to be completed around Spring, 2012.

Parker Water and Sanitation District Serves Growing Area

PWSD has served Parker and Douglas County residents for more than two decades. Today's rapid growth is increasing demand on our community in many ways, including our finite water supply.

Projected Water Shortage

In 1985, PWSD projected a water shortfall and began implementing several solutions, including metering, xeriscape education and reuse of wastewater for irrigation. These solutions have had a positive impact, but cannot solve the water shortage by themselves.

Rueter-Hess Reservoir is a Long-Term Solution

Rueter-Hess Reservoir will serve the District's ongoing water needs and solve its long-term water shortage problem. It is located about three miles southwest of downtown Parker on Newlin Gulch, which is a tributary drainage of Cherry Creek. The dam will rise 185 feet and the reservoir will encompass 1170 acres, which is about one and half times the size of Cherry Creek Reservoir.

Rueter-Hess Benefits

Rueter-Hess employs a water management system that captures surface water, especially storm runoff, that normally would be lost downstream. And by storing water, it allows the Parker Water District to meet demands during peak summer months and extend the life of underground water aquifers.

Reservoir Plan Multi-Use

Rueter-Hess water will be used by residents for everyday water needs, to replenish the underground aquifer, and as a reserve for better water management during a drought.

Recreational uses at the Rueter-Hess Reservoir have been under consideration from the reservoir’s inception. Conceptual amenities include hiking and biking trails, fishing and non-motorized boating. The primary purpose of the Rueter-Hess Reservoir is drinking water storage for the Partner Districts in this massive project. As a drinking-water source, great consideration must be given to the impact that public use might have on the water treatment process. There is potential biological impact from human contact, and boating poses chemical (Fuel) and biological (Zebra Mussels) impacts. Once the reservoir is completed and storage of water has begun, further refinement of the recreation plan will be considered. The costs associated with infrastructure, administration, management, safety, and maintenance are additional concerns that will need to be examined. Many experts will be involved in the planning and decision making process regarding recreational use of this facility. As plans become more defined, information will be available from PWSD or posted on this site.

Safe, Reliable, Economical, and Sustainable

Rueter-Hess helps maintain precious water resources at the same time it ensures a safe, affordable water supply into the future. By storing water in the reservoir year-round, Rueter-Hess minimizes reliance on non-renewable groundwater.

Rueter-Hess Will Extend Life of Aquifer

Underground aquifers are precious non-renewable water resources that serve the metro Denver region. The Parker area is served by four aquifers: the Dawson, Denver, Arapahoe and Laramie-Fox Hills. Rueter-Hess will reduce reliance on aquifers by storing surplus groundwater and re-injecting water into aquifers during non-peak demand.

Future Projects

While the Rueter-Hess reservoir is certainly the biggest news we’ve had in some time, infrastructure challenges are a constant part of the District’s planning efforts.  As projects get on the drawing board, we’ll keep you posted. Please check back.