Resource-Detail-Hero
Water project

Penrose Water Supply Project

We are proposing the replacement of the 109-year-old Penrose Reservoir with modern water tank storage infrastructure to maintain safe, reliable water service that reduces long-term costs.

After landslides damaged nearby pipelines in 2015 and an outlet at the dam malfunctioned in 2023, it was determined that the dam had reached the end of its useful life.

Rendering of the Penrose Water Supply Project from Poutales Park. There is two large curved green roofs of water tanks visible in the distance.Since 2023, we have operated temporary above-ground pipelines to continue delivering water in the area, which is not a sustainable long-term solution.

With the addition of proposed water tank storage, we will improve drainage in the area by building a new stormwater detention pond. Additionally, trees, shrubs and grasses will be planted to reduce the infrastructure’s visual prominence and help blend it into the surrounding landscape.

Project benefits

This project ensures safer, reliable water service for decades to come.

  • Improves safety: The project would replace an aging dam with modern infrastructure.

  • Lower maintenance costs: Tank infrastructure is less costly to operate and maintain over time as compared to a dam/reservoir.

  • Optimizes water storage: Maximizes water storage capacity and prevents water loss from evaporation.

  • Ensures reliability: A multi-tank system can provide continuous water service when one tank is down for maintenance.

Project timeline

We are currently reviewing the project design and timeline to ensure community input is thoroughly considered and to identify the best path forward for the project. Because this review is ongoing, previously shared project information is subject to change.

We appreciate the time and feedback provided by community members throughout this process.

Engagement opportunities

We are committed to working with the community throughout this process.

Opportunities include:

  • Public meetings.
  • Permitting comment process.
  • Direct outreach to customers.
  • Project updates on this webpage, updates via email and other notices.

Public input will help shape decisions, and we will share how feedback influences the project.

If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please contact us at engage@csu.org or (719) 668-7765.

What we heard

Updated project renderings

Elements depicted in these renderings are subject to change in the final design.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Penrose Dam being removed?

The Penrose Dam is more than 100 years old and has become unsafe over time. The structure has several problems, including the risk of landslides nearby and aging equipment that no longer works properly. Because of these risks, we took the dam out of service.

Removing the dam will help make the area safer for everyone.

Current projects

Kelker Substation Expansion Project

Kelker Substation Expansion Project

The Kelker substation expansion project addresses our plan to improve system reliability and expand resources to meet growing energy demands.

More information More information
Austin Bluffs Water System Improvements

Austin Bluffs Water System Improvements

We are replacing a large water tank and building a new pump station in Austin Bluffs Open Space to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable water.

More information More information
Distribution Integrity Management Program

Distribution Integrity Management Program

To ensure the safety and reliability of our natural gas system, we are replacing bare steel in our natural gas system by 2035.

More information More information
Central Bluffs Substation

Central Bluffs Substation

The Central Bluffs Substation project will modernize our infrastructure for sustainability, system resiliency and reliability.

More information More information
Penrose Water Supply Project

Penrose Water Supply Project

Replacing the Penrose Reservoir with two large water storage tanks will ensure safe, reliable water service while reducing long-term costs.

More information More information
Water Pressure Zone Project

Water Pressure Zone Project

We will begin work in fall 2025 to improve water pressure on the west side of the city near Garden of the Gods Park.

More information More information
Horizon Utility Campus

Horizon Utility Campus

A location near the Colorado Springs Airport will soon feature 160 acres of resources to provide reliable and cost-effective energy for years to come.

More information More information
Marksheffel Water Main Installation

Marksheffel Water Main Installation

We are working to improve the reliability of our water system on Marksheffel Road.

More information More information
Fiber Network

Fiber Network

Colorado Springs will be one of the best-connected cities in the country, enabling the highest-speed internet connectivity for every home and ...

More information More information
Star Ranch Pump Station

Star Ranch Pump Station

The Star Ranch Pump Station will improve water supply for fire protection, improve water quality and reduce the risk of water outages.

More information More information
Continental-Hoosier System Project

Continental-Hoosier System Project

The goal of the Continental-Hoosier System Project is to improve the resiliency, redundancy and efficiency of this important part of our water system.

More information More information
Midway-Kelker Transmission Line Project

Midway-Kelker Transmission Line Project

We are upgrading this transmission line to strengthen our electric grid and ensure reliability as energy needs change.

More information More information