Update on Wild Horse South Reservoir

Published On: February 13, 2026
Wild Horse South Reservoir with one dam, inlet and outlet pipelines, Otero Conveyance System, and pipeline from Wild Horse South Reservoir to Spinney Mountain Reservoir.

Click to view a larger version of the map.

As part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) identified several alternative locations to be evaluated as part of the in-depth federal environmental review. During evaluation of the potential locations, Aurora Water learned that one of the alternative locations, the Wild Horse South Reservoir, has some potential advantages compared to the original site, including fewer dams (one vs three) and lower operational and construction risks, among others.

Based on this information, Aurora Water is shifting the proposed project site from the original Wild Horse Reservoir to the Wild Horse South Reservoir site. Aurora Water is working with federal, state, and local agencies to determine the best path forward for environmental review and permit processes.

Aurora Water hosted two presentations on February 25 at 7 pm and February 27 at noon. A recording of the February 25 presentation is currently available on the Events webpage. Presentations included updates on:

Property owners that have questions about potential impacts from this shift can see more information on the Working with Landowners webpage or email us at wildhorsereservoir@auroragov.org.