The Battle Over Water: Denver's Gross Reservoir Expansion Faces Legal Storm

April 19, 2025, 5:27 am
U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Forest Service
GovTechPublicService
In the heart of Colorado, a fierce battle brews over water. Denver Water is pushing forward with the expansion of Gross Reservoir, a project that promises to triple its capacity. This expansion is not just about water; it’s about survival. The project, if completed, would make Gross the tallest concrete dam built in the U.S. in over half a century. But it’s not without controversy.

Environmental groups are raising alarms. They argue that the expansion will devastate local ecosystems, requiring the removal of 500,000 trees and draining water from the already parched Colorado River. The stakes are high. Water is life in the arid West, and the fight over its management is a reflection of broader environmental concerns.

Construction began in 2022, but a recent court ruling has thrown a wrench into the works. A federal judge issued an injunction, halting construction and sending workers home. Denver Water's leaders have responded with defiance, calling the ruling “deeply flawed” and an example of the challenges facing critical infrastructure projects today. They argue that the project is essential for safeguarding Denver’s water supply, especially in light of past droughts and wildfires that have threatened the region.

The Gross Reservoir expansion was born from necessity. The catastrophic drought of 2002 drained reservoirs and forced mandatory watering restrictions. The Hayman fire, one of the largest in Colorado history, compounded the problem, sending sediment into water systems and complicating delivery. In response, Denver Water initiated the expansion to bolster storage and create redundancy in its supply system.

But critics question the need for such a massive project. They argue that Denver Water could have pursued less damaging alternatives, such as incentivizing water conservation. With the utility’s customer base doubling over the years, water usage has remained stable. This raises the question: is the expansion truly necessary?

The financial implications are significant. Denver Water has already spent $450 million on the project, with costs expected to rise if construction is delayed. A halt could cost an additional $50 million, and further delays might force the utility to lower water levels in the reservoir, jeopardizing supply. The utility's leaders assert that the partially completed dam is not structurally safe for the long term, raising concerns about its ability to withstand floods.

As the legal battle unfolds, both sides are pointing fingers. Environmental groups accuse Denver Water of rushing into construction without waiting for legal resolutions. Denver Water counters that it had the necessary permits and was under pressure to meet federal deadlines. The tension is palpable, with both sides entrenched in their positions.

The expansion project is not just a local issue; it has broader implications for the Colorado River, a vital resource for millions. As the river shrinks, the fight for water intensifies. The expansion could exacerbate the already strained water supply, leading to further environmental degradation.

Denver Water has attempted to mitigate the environmental impact of the project. It has invested in stream restoration and transferred land to the U.S. Forest Service. Yet, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient. They advocate for more sustainable practices, such as xeriscaping, which could reduce water consumption without the need for extensive infrastructure projects.

The financial burden of the expansion will ultimately fall on Denver Water’s customers. A recent rate increase translates to an additional $21 to $27 per year for the average household. This raises questions about the long-term sustainability of such projects. Are ratepayers willing to shoulder the costs of a project that may not be necessary?

As the May 6 hearing approaches, Denver Water must articulate its plans for completing the dam. The outcome of this legal battle will shape the future of water management in Colorado. Will the expansion proceed, or will it be halted by the courts? The answer remains uncertain.

In the meantime, the workers who were sent home await their fate. Many are anxious about job stability as the legal proceedings drag on. The construction site, once bustling with activity, now stands still, a stark reminder of the complexities involved in managing water resources.

The Gross Reservoir expansion is a microcosm of a larger struggle. It reflects the tension between development and environmental stewardship. As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, the need for sustainable solutions becomes ever more pressing. The outcome of this battle will resonate far beyond the shores of Gross Reservoir.

In the end, the fight over water is not just about a dam. It’s about the future of a community, the health of an ecosystem, and the sustainability of a precious resource. As the legal drama unfolds, all eyes will be on Denver Water and its commitment to balancing these competing interests. The stakes are high, and the outcome will shape the landscape of water management in the West for years to come.