Water released from Chatfield Reservoir Environmental Pool into South Platte River in historic first

Kara Van Hoose
Northeast Region Public Information Officer
303-829-7143 / [email protected]

Water released from Chatfield Reservoir Environmental Pool into South Platte River in historic first

Jan. 7, 2025

Water released from Chatfield Reservoir Environmental Pool into South Platte River in historic first

LITTLETON, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife initiated the first release of water from the Chatfield Reservoir Environmental Pool to increase flows in the South Platte River below the reservoir. The historic release began Tuesday morning and provided three cubic feet per second of water into the South Platte to alleviate low flow conditions, support aquatic life and enhance ecosystem function. 

The first water release from the Chatfield Environmental Pool marks the next step in reservoir operations at Chatfield State Park and aquatic habitat management in the South Platte River. The 2,100 acre-foot pool was created through the Chatfield Storage Reallocation Project, which provides increased water storage capacity for municipal water providers and downstream irrigators by capturing high flows from large rainstorms and snow runoff. As a part of the increased operating level of Chatfield Reservoir, the project designated the pool to store additional water within the reservoir with the intent of releasing water to relieve stress on aquatic life during low flow conditions in the South Platte.

“This historic moment is the culmination of decades of commitment and innovation from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and its partners,” said Matt Nicholl, CPW’s Aquatic Wildlife Assistant Director. “The Reallocation Project helps meet Colorado’s growing water demands while providing benefits to the South Platte River and aquatic species. We are looking forward to studying the habitat improvements in this next step of water management for CPW.”

“Chatfield State Park is excited to embark on this new era of operations,” said Chatfield State Park Manager Kris Wahlers. “When drought conditions occur, it’s not only people who are affected. Fisheries and other natural resources experience a substantial setback as well. Having the ability to release stored water during low flow conditions gives natural resources downstream of Chatfield much more security than they’ve ever had before. I’m very glad that the planners and supporters of the project took that into consideration.”

The South Platte is an important tributary and water source along the Front Range. Agricultural producers rely on the river to irrigate crops, and municipal providers rely on the waterway for human population needs. Low flows burden aquatic ecosystems and human communities alike. The higher river levels from the release will work to alleviate some of the stress that dry periods can inflict. 

"The Colorado Water Conservation Board is proud of this incredible partnership to bring much-needed water to the South Platte River through the Metro area,” said Lauren Ris, CWCB Director. “The additional storage in Chatfield Reservoir will not only help with dry season flows but the water will be utilized several times before leaving the state.”

“The Greenway Foundation is beyond excited for the first release of water from the Environmental Pool,” said Ryan Aids, Executive Director for The Greenway Foundation. “This inaugural release marks the culmination of nearly two decades of vision, partnerships, construction and now execution. With the current state and unknown future state of water in Colorado, a project like this, which allows for additional water in the South Platte River, is one to be celebrated. The Greenway Foundation is honored to have been a part of this visionary project along with a long list of amazing partners and supporters.” 

In addition to the primary benefit of a lift to the aquatic ecosystem, releases from the Environmental Pool will also improve the South Platte’s quality and appearance, as well as recreational opportunities. Releases will help reduce impacts from critical low flow days, benefitting the fish community downstream. 

“CPW is excited to see how fish populations will respond to the changes in hydrology,” said Kyle Battige, senior aquatic biologist with CPW. “The South Platte is an important habitat for many aquatic species in our state, and we’re committed to improving the river ecosystem.”

Future releases into the South Platte will be contingent on several factors including water availability, habitat needs and conditions at the park. While annual releases are not guaranteed, CPW will continue to manage the environmental pool at Chatfield State Park for recreation and ecosystem health.

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