Working with Landowners

The proposed Wild Horse Reservoir Project would require environmental reviews, permitting processes, and the acquisition of property from private landowners. In preparation for the federal government’s in-depth environmental review of the project, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) identified several alternative locations (see adjacent map) to be evaluated.

During evaluation of the alternative sites, Aurora Water identified the Wild Horse South Reservoir alternative as the location to advance for further environmental review and permitting. Key considerations include fewer dams (one versus three), lower operational and construction risks, no additional pumping required to fill the reservoir, and minimal wetland impacts. It also allows Aurora Water to source materials for the project from existing Park County quarries, to support local businesses. This avoids the need to develop a new quarry site, thereby minimizing additional land disturbance.

We understand that shifting the project site to the Wild Horse South Reservoir alternative will affect property owners. We also understand that your property can be more than just land or a house—it can be personal. Aurora Water is committed to treating affected property owners with respect, fairness, and transparency throughout this process and to partnering with property owners to find fair and flexible solutions that meet their needs.

If you have questions about the impact of the proposed Wild Horse Reservoir Project to your property, please contact us at WildHorseReservoir@AuroraGov.org and include your Park County Assessor parcel account number or address. To stay informed of the latest project updates, subscribe to our Wild Horse Reservoir Project eNewsletter.

Aurora Water has acquired certain properties needed for the proposed Wild Horse Reservoir Project. In an effort to acquire property that would be needed for the project, we will continue to engage in good-faith outreach with other landowners to extend fair market value offers. If you have any questions or concerns about your property, please contact us at WildHorseReservoir@AuroraGov.org and include your Park County Assessor parcel account number or address.

To gather all the information required for the environmental reviews, permitting processes, and infrastructure design, Aurora Water and its contractors will be conducting non-invasive surveys and geotechnical fieldwork this year for the proposed Wild Horse South Reservoir site, proposed pipelines, and potential road realignments.

Learn more about the 2026 fieldwork activities

The project is still in the planning and pre-permitting phase. Aurora Water is working with federal, state, and local agencies to determine the best path forward for required environmental reviews and permit processes. See the Review and Permitting webpage for more information.

Wild Horse South Reservoir site footprint overlaid on nearby street names in Hartsel, CO.

Map of the Wild Horse South Reservoir site with street names. Click to enlarge the image.

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