PWSD Home | Project Description
The Parker Water
and Sanitation
District is planning ahead
for your safe, reliable
water supply.		 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 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 120 feet and the reservoir will encompass 385 acres, which is about one-third 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. The approval process continues in 2000 with extensive public and government review. A newsletter will keep the public informed, and details will be available at www.pwsd.org.

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