Harriman Lake Park, located on the southwest corner of South Kipling Parkway and West Quincy Avenue in Littleton, includes the 138-year-old Harriman Dam and Reservoir. Denver Water uses the reservoir to deliver irrigation water to Fort Logan National Cemetery, Jeffco 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 that will restore 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.
The Board of Water Commissioners awarded the Harriman Dam renovation project contract to R.E. Monks Construction Company on Nov. 16. Denver Water closed Harriman Dam and the surrounding park to recreation and all non-construction access on Dec. 5.
Harriman Lake Park, including all trails and the parking lot, will remain closed until the project is complete. Original estimates were that Harriman Dam would be closed for approximately six months, but on final analysis, a one-year closure will be necessary. Harriman Lake Park is now scheduled to reopen in December 2012.
Frequently asked questions
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What would have happened if Denver Water did nothing and continued operating the reservoir as-is?
Colorado’s Office of the State Engineer would have ordered Denver Water to repair the aging dam or remove it. If Denver Water removed the dam, the wetland and riparian habitats would dry out. In addition, Denver Water would have had to develop, treat and transport additional water supplies to Harriman Reservoir’s water users, causing other environmental impacts and increasing energy and chemical use.
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How will the reservoir's fisheries be impacted?
The reservoir will be drained during the construction period. The Colorado Division of Wildlife began salvaging fish in Harriman Reservoir in July 2010 to prepare for construction. The fish were relocated to Bear Creek Lake. The Division of Wildlife salvaged more fish in June 2011. Once the reservoir is refilled, the Division of Wildlife will restock it with fish. To improve fish habitat in the restored reservoir, Denver Water, in coordination with the Division of Wildlife, plans to anchor tree stumps within casting distance of the shore.
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Will the recreation amenities move or change?
The area will be closed during the year-long construction period. Foothills Park & Recreation District, which manages recreation in the area, will remove the gazebo and benches around the reservoir and replace the same facilities in similar locations after the reservoir has refilled.
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What will happen to the wetlands and wildlife in that area?
In order to restore Harriman Reservoir to its original storage capacity, 4.7 acres of existing wetlands will be flooded. The majority of the existing vegetation that will be inundated by the new water level must be removed to prevent floating debris from interfering with the dam’s outlet structures.To offset those impacts, Denver Water plans to create 4.7 acres of wetlands nearby, plus an additional 2.6 acres of wetland/riparian buffer area. Three wetland sites will be constructed in the same areas as the impacted wetlands but 3 feet higher to accommodate the new high water elevation. It will take years to fully replace the existing habitat. However, to compensate for the loss, some of the existing mature cottonwood and willow trees will remain to provide structural diversity for wildlife habitat.
All new wetland areas will be planted with native vegetation, and noxious weeds and Russian olive trees within 100 feet of the new wetlands will be removed.
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Who can I contact for more information?
For questions regarding the dam reconstruction project, please contact Matt Bond, Denver Water Community Relations, at 303-628-6553.
For questions regarding Harriman Lake Park or park-related inquiries, please contact Colin Insley, director of Parks Planning and Construction for Foothills Park & Recreation District, at 303-409-2304.