Deborah Grigsby

Park County’s Antero Reservoir will be emptied over the coming weeks, with its water being transferred to Cheesman Reservoir as part of the Denver Water’s drought response and will eventually close it to recreational activities.

Antero Reservoir sits at an elevation of approximately 8,900 feet. Because of its high altitude location, it loses a larger share of its water to evaporation than any other Denver Water reservoir.

Officials said shifting the water to Cheesman Reservoir will prevent about 5,000 acre-feet of water — roughly 25% of the reservoir’s capacity — from disappearing into thin air.

One acre-foot of water equals the annual water use of about three to four single-family households.

“A lot of forethought and planning went into our collection system and reservoirs,” Nathan Elder, manager of water supply for Denver Water, said in a statement. “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 decision allows Denver Water to rely more on its South Platte River Basin supplies, reducing the draw on water sources west of the Continental Divide, which are also below normal levels following “an abysmal snowpack and runoff season.”

Denver Water and Colorado Parks and Wildlife are working together to minimize fish losses during this process and allow the public to use the reservoir for a brief period before it eventually closes.

Following the fish relocation process, no recreation, including camping, will be allowed at Antero Reservoir in 2026, officials said.

Denver Water officials note that finalized details will be announced soon.

Drought conditions dictate when the reservoir can be refilled.

Historically, Antero Reservoir was similarly drained to assist with water management during the 2002 drought and was last emptied in 2015 for a dam rehabilitation project.