Ashland Reservoir

Hidden beneath a seemingly ordinary park in Wheat Ridge lies a secret. It’s a secret that has quenched the thirst of Denver residents for over a century. This is the story of the Ashland Reservoir. In 1891, the Citizens Water Company began storing water at this very spot. They built two reservoirs near what is now West 29th Avenue. Water flowed from these reservoirs through wooden pipes, traveling through Denver’s Highland neighborhood and into the heart of downtown. Imagine those early reservoirs. They had dirt floors compacted by hand and walls lined with rock and asphalt. But a crucial element was missing: roofs. This led to constant algae blooms, turning the water green. Eventually, wooden planks were added as a temporary cover in the late 1800s. These were later replaced with concrete roofs in 1964 and 1971. Time marched on, and the old rectangular reservoirs began to show their age. Leaks sprung, and the need for an upgrade became clear. Denver Water embarked on a $34 million renovation project in 2012. The old reservoirs were replaced with two new, circular, 10-million-gallon tanks. These tanks are mostly underground, hidden beneath a landscaped park with trees, bushes, and native grasses. This modern marvel was completed in 2018. The new tanks are expected to last for at least 100 years. As part of the project, the 1934 valve house was restored. This historic building once controlled the flow of water in and out of the reservoirs. Its preservation stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Ashland Reservoir. The Ashland Reservoir isn’t just a place to store water. It’s a symbol of Denver’s growth and its commitment to providing clean water to its residents. From humble beginnings with dirt floors and algae blooms to state-of-the-art underground tanks, the Ashland Reservoir has quietly served Denver for generations. So, the next time you stroll through that park in Wheat Ridge, remember the hidden treasure beneath your feet. It’s a testament to ingenuity, progress, and the lifeblood of a city.