Town of Estes Park
News Release
Estes Park’s Water Journey (Part 1 Of 2): The Evolution of Water Supply and Rights
By Jacqui Wesley, Utilities Project Manager; Reuben Bergsten, Utilities Director
Nov. 18, 2025
Most people don’t think twice about turning on the faucet and having cool, clean water delivered to them. But to appreciate the reliable and safe water system that serves the Estes Park area today, one must delve into our water history, a journey marked by evolving water rights, pivotal regulations, and the steady growth of this mountain community.
The roots of Estes Park's potable water treatment stretch back to January 1906, when F. O. Stanley built a small water system to serve the Stanley Hotel and residence. From this humble beginning, the system expanded to its current size, framed by the unique challenges of water management in a mountain region of a headwaters state. Our staff of 14 water professionals manages our complicated water system that treats close to 3 million gallons per day during our peak visitor season. Water reaches our customers through a network of over 125 miles of distribution pipe that includes over 800 fire hydrants and nine treated water storage tanks. The system is operated and monitored by our staff 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Colorado is a headwaters state, the place where four major rivers – the Colorado, Rio Grande, Arkansas, and Platte – begin. Our raw water rights are controlled under the "doctrine of prior appropriation." Established in the 1860s, the Colorado Doctrine dictates that the first to use water for a beneficial purpose holds priority. Our oldest water rights are still junior to others who used them first and have priority.
Our water history is driven by availability and the search for reliable supplies. The drought of the 1930s saw "one-third of the farms in Larimer County put up for sale," and underscored the critical need for robust water management. In response, the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District was formed in 1937 to jointly operate and maintain the federal Colorado – Big Thompson (C-BT) Project with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
C-BT water is critical to Estes Park, and the water’s journey is an amazing trip. From Lake Granby, water flows through Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake, entering the 13.1-mile Alva B. Adams Tunnel and traveling through the mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park, then through the Rams Horn Tunnel, where we pull our water. The water continues to Lake Estes. The significant elevation drop at Marys Lake and Lake Estes provides lots of energy to generate electricity at their respective power plants, demonstrating a sustainable approach to water resource management.
To maximize our junior water rights, we must adjust our sources based on available supplies, including surface water from Glacier Creek and three water rights transported from the Western Slope via the Bureau of Reclamation tunnel system. A redundant and reliable water supply, water conservation, and responsible use are crucial to the continued success of the water system that serves Estes Park. Our future water needs appear well-supported by the current supply, provided we maintain our careful stewardship of this essential resource.
Look for the second installment of this article tomorrow, where we will detail the Town's ongoing efforts to ensure a future supply of safe drinking water for our community.
To learn more about the Town of Estes Park Water Division, visit estes.org/water or call us at 970-577-3619.
Media contact: Kate Miller
Public Information Officer
970-577-3701