Colorado Springs Utilities announced that the South Suburban Reservoir, which is closed for construction, will not reopen for public recreation after repairs are completed, according to a news release by the company on Tuesday.

The decision was made to permanently close recreational access to the area in the Stratton Open Space for “ongoing water and safety concerns.”

Increased dog swimming has disturbed sediment and promoted the growth of algae, subsequently introducing E. coli, according to the release. The reservoir’s small size cannot dilute the pollutants enough, making water treatment more challenging.

An estimated 1,000 dog toys were also removed from the reservoir in clean-outs during 2020 and 2024. The release stated the amount recovered prompted concerns about PFAS and microplastics in drinking water.

The South Suburban Reservoir has provided drinking water since its construction in 1932, according to CSU. Over the past two decades, the fenced reservoir was opened to informal public access, including off-leash dog recreation.

It was drained in April 2024 for dam repairs and will be refilled next spring but will not reopen for public access. The release stated the Colorado Springs City Council never formally approved recreational access.