How about a trip to where Denver gets some of its water? We are standing before Marston Lake Dam. It is a crucial part of Denver’s water system. Let’s dive into the story of this essential structure.
Marston Lake is actually a reservoir. It sits in southwest Denver. Denver Water owns it. Construction on Marston Lake was completed in 1902. So it has been around for quite a while.
The reservoir plays a vital role. It sends water to the Marston treatment plant. From there, the water travels to Denver homes. This clean water quenches the thirst of Denver residents.
Where does Marston Lake get its water? The South Platte River supplies it. But that’s not the whole story. The river receives water from the Colorado Western Slope. It comes through a transmountain diversion. This diversion uses the Roberts Tunnel.
Denver’s water history is interesting. In 1918, Denver residents made a big decision. They voted to buy the Denver Union Water Company. The price was 14 million dollars. This purchase led to the creation of Denver Water. Denver Water has been providing high-quality drinking water ever since.
Denver Water has many impressive stories. One involves building a whole town. Its sole purpose was to clean Denver’s water. Another is a project to bring water over the Continental Divide. There is also a massive dam. It required relocating an entire community.
Marston Lake almost doubled in size at one point. Denver Water once considered building the Lost Park reservoir. It would have been twice the size of Marston. The Lost Park project was challenging. The terrain was rugged. Ultimately, the Lost Park reservoir was never completed.
Marston Lake continues to serve Denver. The Marston Reservoir can hold 250 million gallons of water. That’s a lot of water for Denver’s taps.
So, Marston Lake Dam is more than just a dam. It represents Denver’s commitment to providing clean water. It connects the city to the South Platte River. It also connects it to the mountains beyond. The next time you take a sip of Denver water, remember this place. Remember the history and engineering. Remember Marston Lake Dam.