Development of a "local"
mountain system,
meaning water from Pikes Peak, began in the 1880s.
In 1891, Colorado
Springs paid $70,000 for the seven lakes on
the south slope of Pikes Peak. Over the next 30 years, the lakes
were improved and tunnels developed to connect them to treatment
plants in Colorado Springs. The South Slope system provided sufficient
water until the 1930s.
MAP OF THE PIKES PEAK SYSTEM
[CLICK THE MAP TO SEE A LARGER VERSION]
THE NORTH SLOPE SYSTEM
Between 1908 and 1930, the city acquired
property
and water rights on the North Slope of Pikes Peak.
Crystal and South Catamount Reservoirs were built during the 1930s.
North Catamount Reservoir was added to this system in 1960,
primarily to store water produced from the Blue River System.
Ten tunnels connect these reservoirs
and deliver water to the treatment plants.
THE RESERVOIRS ON THE NORTH SLOPE
OF PIKES PEAK
ARE OPEN FOR RECREATION AND FISHING.
