Denver Water Drains Antero Reservoir for First Time Since 2002 as Historic Drought Intensifies
Key Takeaways
- ▸Denver Water is draining Antero Reservoir for the first time since 2002 to prevent 5,000 acre-feet of water from evaporating
- ▸This year's snowpack is the lowest on record in Denver Water's service areas, limiting natural water replenishment
- ▸The reservoir will remain closed to public recreation and camping throughout 2026, though Colorado Parks and Wildlife will coordinate fish relocation efforts before complete drainage
Summary
Denver Water announced it will drain and close Antero Reservoir in South Park to combat severe drought conditions affecting the Front Range. The move will preserve approximately 5,000 acre-feet of water—about one-quarter of the reservoir's capacity—that would otherwise be lost to evaporation during the summer heat. This marks the first closure of the recreational area since the severe 2002 drought. The water will be redirected down the South Platte River to Cheesman Reservoir, allowing Denver Water to better manage its water supply for the 1.5 million customers it serves. The decision comes as Colorado experiences its lowest recorded snowpack in Denver Water's resource areas, making water conservation critical during what officials are calling a tinder-dry season.
- Consolidating water at Cheesman Reservoir reduces the need to divert water from west of the Continental Divide, which would impact Colorado River tributaries
