Centennial – A billion-dollar solution to the problem of south metro’s diminishing groundwater likely will be official in December.
Part of that tab will be the Rueter- Hess Reservoir, which will cost less than $200 million to build.
But Parker-area and other water providers, include Castle Rock, will shell out more yet to find the water, treat it to drinkable standards and pump it to the reservoir on the outskirts of Parker.
A 2003 study showed a looming water crisis for the fast-growing region that relies heavily on aquifers to fuel the growth in homes and businesses.
The aquifers are falling by an estimated 30 feet a year, forcing water providers to dig costly and deeper wells every few years.
Switching to renewable supplies, including river water and treated or “recycled” or “re-used” wastewater, has been hailed for years as the region’s salvation.
“The real solution is the importation of water from either the South Platte, the Arkansas or the Colorado” rivers, said Frank Jaeger, manager of Parker Water and Sanitation.
Tapping rivers to fuel growth has been a taboo topic with environmentalists, recreational users of rivers and other water interests hoping to retain their supplies. But the region can’t recycle or conserve enough water to meet its needs, Jaeger said.
“Conservation isn’t anything you can count on. I don’t see it as a new supply. It’s just good water management that helps you out during a drought.”
While water supplies decrease, south metro’s population is expected to more than double to 406,000 by 2040, according to the 2003 study.
Other regional water projects also are under way.
Aurora plans to spend $800 million on its Prairie Waters Project to tap the South Platte River for 3.3 billion gallons a year starting in 2010.
The city also hopes to acquire water from Pueblo Reservoir. Growing communities, including Aurora and Parker, have bought or leased water rights from scores of farmers as well.
Experts have estimated that without a solution, shortages and expensive water bills could hit south metro 20 years down the road.
And there will be some bumps in water costs associated with any solution, water providers have warned.
Staff writer Joey Bunch can be reached at 303-954-1174 or jbunch@denverpost.com.
