Jan. 13, 2012 - As part of the Harriman Dam renovation project, Denver Water and Jefferson County will be closing Quincy Avenue from Nelson Street to Simms Street for approximately six weeks beginning Monday, Jan. 23. The closure will allow Denver Water’s contractor, R.E. Monks, to safely work on the dam alongside Quincy Avenue. Local access from Simms Street will be allowed for residents and guests of the Lakehurst Village townhomes.
Harriman Dam and Reservoir are nearly 140 years old. Denver Water uses the reservoir to deliver irrigation water to Fort Logan National Cemetery, Jefferson County Public Schools, Pinehurst Country Club and other nearby areas. The dam needs to be improved to satisfy current regulatory requirements and bring it to its full capacity for storage. Denver Water owns the reservoir, dam and land within the park, while Foothills Park & Recreation District manages the park amenities through an agreement with Denver Water.
After studying several options, Denver Water is replacing the dam with a new earthen one and will be restoring the water level approximately 3 feet higher. The surface area of the restored reservoir will increase from its current size of about 55 acres to about 66 acres. This project will allow Denver Water to meet the irrigation needs of multiple Harriman water users without adding demands to its potable water supplies or developing new sources of water.