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Water Resources

Where does Boulder's water supply come from?
Like most Colorado communities, Boulder depends on stored water during most of the year. High streamflows and runoff from melting snowpack only occurs during a few spring and summer months.The runoff from snowmelt is captured in a series of reservoirs. The amount of water that is available for community use varies from year-to-year, depending on the snowpack in the surrounding mountains.

On average, the majority of the city’s annual water supply comes from:

• Silver Lake and Lakewood reservoirs on North Boulder Creek (40 percent);
• Barker Reservoir on Middle Boulder Creek (40 percent); and
• Boulder Reservoir (20 percent). 
 
In general, the Silver Lake, Lakewood and Barker reservoir supplies are used as much as possible every year without reducing drought reserve supplies.

Learn more about the City of Boulder's:
• reservoirs;
• watersheds;
 • water history; or
 • water rights.

Planning

As Boulder continues to grow, the percentage of water delivered directly through the Boulder Reservoir Water Treatment Plant is projected to increase to about one-third of the city's total water supply, on average. The city currently owns enough additional water at Boulder Reservoir to meet all of Boulder’s future needs.

Learn about the city's plans to ensure that Boulder's water needs are met in the future.

Contact

For more information, contact Water Resources Specialist This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  at 303-441-3266.

Last Updated on Monday, 29 April 2013 11:57