Colorado water officials are taking the rare step of draining a major mountain reservoir as the state grapples with what Denver Water is calling one of its driest years on record.
Denver Water announced it will move water out of Antero Reservoir, located in South Park in Park County, and close the reservoir to all recreation through to the end of 2026 as part of its drought response plan. The utility serves about 1.5 million customers across the Denver metro area and Front Range.
Why Antero Reservoir Is Being Drained
Antero Reservoir will be drained so its water can be transferred downstream to Cheesman Reservoir, a move Denver Water says will help reduce water lost to evaporation during an exceptionally dry year. Officials estimate the transfer will save roughly 5,000 acre‑feet of water, about 25 percent of Antero’s total storage capacity.
Under normal conditions, water lost to evaporation would typically be replenished by snowmelt during the following runoff season. However, officials warned that snowpack levels across Denver Water’s supply areas are among the lowest ever recorded, meaning evaporation losses this year would not be recovered.
Drought Conditions Driving the Decision
The move comes amid worsening drought conditions across much of Colorado and the broader Colorado River Basin. Denver Water said that the decision allows the utility to rely more heavily on water from the South Platte River Basin, while easing pressure on Western Slope sources that are also experiencing below‑normal snowpack and runoff.
Officials emphasized that Antero was designed specifically as a drought‑reserve reservoir, intended to be drawn down during extreme conditions to protect water supplies for urban users. Nathan Elder, a water supply manager at Denver Water, confirmed that “Antero is a drought reservoir, designed to provide water to our customers during a severe drought. Consolidating this water into Cheesman will help us make the most of the water we have.”
The reservoir was previously drained during the severe 2002 drought, and officials had considered similar action during the 2013 dry season before late snowstorms improved conditions.
Impact on Recreation and Wildlife
As part of the plan, all recreation at Antero Reservoir—including fishing, boating, and camping—will be suspended for the remainder of 2026. Denver Water said it is working with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to relocate fish before water levels drop significantly.
The reservoir, located south of Fairplay, is a popular destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts during the warmer months. Officials said the reservoir’s reopening will largely depend on when water levels can be restored safely.
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