Rueter-Hess Reservoir

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-Hes s Reservoir will serve the District's ongoing water needs and solve its long-term water shortage problem. It will be 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 Numerous

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.

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.

Next Steps

Rueter-Hess already has undergone considerable environmental and scientific studies. A newsletter will keep the public informed, and details will be available at www.pwsd.org.

Construction of Rueter-Hess was authorized by a Federal 404 permit issued by the United States Army Corp of Engineers in February 2004 with construction beginning that summer. Since that time, surrounding water providers have requested to participate in an enlarged version of Rueter-Hess. Permitting of the enlargement was started in April 2005 with approval of the enlargement anticipated in spring of 2007.

Rueter-Hess Time Line

Planning for Rueter-Hess began in 1985, when PWSD projected a water shortfall. Since that time, conservation efforts have improved the long-term outlook, but are not enough to eliminate future water shortages on their own.

1986: Conservation efforts such as metering and xeriscape education implemented
 
1987: PWSD demonstrates feasibility of re-injecting surplus water into Denver Basin aquifers
 
1991: PWSD becomes charter member of Douglas County Water Authority, which cooperates on water conservation solutions
 
1996: Court decree entered for Rueter-Hess
 
1996: First geotechnical studies at Rueter-Hess
 
1997: First environmental studies at Rueter-Hess
 
2000: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process begins
 
2001: Spring - Public input on draft Environmental Impact Statement
 
2002: Final design
 
2004: Completion of EIS process and approval for construction

Start of Construction
 
2005: Request for enlargement of original project
 
2006: Completion of Cherry Creek Diversion and Pump Station

Completion of construction on Phase 1 of Rueter-Hess Dam
 
2007: Anticipated approval of Rueter-Hess enlargement (Phase 2)
 
2009: Anticipated completion of complete Rueter-Hess Project
 
2010: Anticipated beginning of filling of Rueter-Hess Reservoir

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.