Homestake water shed

As the population in Colorado Springs grows, so does the need for fresh water.

Settlers began to tackle the water supply issue as early as the 1870’s. During this period most all of the city’s water came from Fountain Creek.

In 1876 the creek became polluted forcing settlers to look to the mountains for fresh water. From this point on most all of Southern Colorado’s water would come directly from snowmelt in the mountains.

It wasn’t until the 1950’s that utility companies ventured across the continental divide in search of even more fresh water. This proved to be no easy task, channeling water over 200 miles, and not to mentions over some of the most treacherous terrain in the United States.

The Blue River Project was the utilities’ first attempt to venture across the Continental Divide for water. The city of Colorado Springs in partnership with the city of Aurora created a joint effort in developing the Homestake Project. The Homestake water shed is located about 13 miles into the Holy Cross Wilderness at the headwaters of the Eagle River.

Water is collected in the Homestake Reservoir and travels through the Continental Divide through the Homestake water tunnel. The water is then lifted 750 vertical feet at the Otero Pump Station near Buena Vista. From this point gravity takes over, eventually the water finding itself in Colorado Springs and Aurora water treatment plants. Snow melt provides some to the freshest and best tasting water available. If you would like to find out the quality of the water here in Colorado Springs, Click Here.