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Town approves agreement to let Parker Water store Walker Reservoir water in Reuter‑Hess via Cherry Creek
Summary
Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with Parker Water & Sanitation District enabling the town to release Walker Reservoir water to Cherry Creek for capture and storage in Reuter‑Hess Reservoir; the town will cover small stream losses.
Castle Rock council unanimously approved a restated intergovernmental agreement with Parker Water & Sanitation District permitting the town to release water from Walker Reservoir into Cherry Creek and have Parker capture and store it in Reuter‑Hess Reservoir.
Water utilities staff and Castle Rock Water Commission described the agreement as an operational improvement to help the town manage storage. The town currently has nearly 150 acre‑feet in Walker Reservoir; the IGA lets the town float that water when flows permit and have Parker capture it downstream. The agreement requires payment for stream losses (staff estimated roughly 3% of the volume and a nominal per‑acre‑foot charge) and a small service payment to Parker for the capture and storage service.
Castle Rock Water Commission and staff recommended approval; the council adopted the resolution unanimously. Town staff said they would proceed to release the stored water when hydrologic conditions allow, freeing storage capacity in Walker Reservoir.
Why it matters: The IGA is an operational water‑management agreement that helps the town conserve water assets and manage reservoir storage; it does not change water ownership but provides flexibility for operating local water infrastructure.
What’s next: Staff plans releases and storage operations consistent with hydrologic conditions and will account for stream‑loss charges in water utility budgeting.
