Video Story
Watch VideoPueblo Reservoir water levels highest in 13 years
Story By: Ryan Wilson
Source: KOAA
Wednesday was a quiet day on Lake Pueblo. The water was glassy, and the birds were chirping. But that kind of calm has not been common sight this summer.
"We're on a record pace. If we have some good weekend weather in May and June, we might hit 1.7 million or maybe even more," Lake Pueblo State Park Manager Mike Dowd said.
He's talking about the 1.7 million visitors he's expecting. And part of the attraction is that Lake Pueblo is 14 feet higher than it was this time last year. That means more open water, and more coves to explore, which draws people from around the state.
"We're expecting a big summer," Dowd said.
It's also good news for the 18 agencies that can draw from the reservoir, including Pueblo and Colorado Springs.
The Bureau of Reclamation says the high levels will keep water available and prices low through the summer, for cities and farmers.
"We should top off all of our reservoirs, by the end of the water season this year," Roy Vaughan, the Lake Pueblo Facilities Manager for the Bureau of Reclamation said.
And more snowmelt is still expected. Officials says it's good for recreation and reserves, after years of drought.
"So it's just a benefit to the east slope as a whole," Vaughan said.
Lake Pueblo was actually higher earlier this year but some water was released for agricultural use.
