Cost

When the reservoir begins to fill to its new, increased capacity in 2027, the project will have spanned nearly a quarter century from the start of environmental study and permitting to the end of construction. Denver Water is excited to begin construction on this vital project in April 2022. In December 2021, the Denver Water Board of Commissioners approved a $531 million construction contract for the expansion of Gross Reservoir. The road to get to this value started through a Construction Management/General Contractor (CMGC) bidding process which brought Kiewit-Barnard Joint Venture into the project team early to identify efficiencies in design and construction to reduce the final construction cost.

As a public agency, Denver Water is entirely funded through rates, new tap fees and the sale of hydropower. No tax dollars will be directed towards Denver Water or to the Gross Reservoir Expansion Project. The City of Arvada is a partner in the project and will contribute a portion of the funding in exchange for additional water from Denver Water.

This project is an investment on many levels – first, it’s an investment in a secure water future for Denver Water customers who live and work on Colorado’s Front Range. It’s also an investment in the local and regional economy, creating jobs and opportunity in industries beyond engineering and construction.