Glasser Reservoir Security and Safety Improvements

This is a new development proposal! This project is currently in progress and will be scheduled for hearings in accordance with the application review process timeline. This page can be utilized to stay up to date with the proposal and provide feedback on the request.

Project Overview

The City and County of Broomfield's Water Utilities Department is proposing new security and safety improvements to the Glasser Reservoir based upon guidelines established by the State of Colorado and the Federal Government.

Project Details

Applicant: City and County of Broomfield
Location: Glasser Reservoir
Project Type: Site Development Plan Amendment

Background and Reasoning for the Requested Modifications

Glasser Reservoir was constructed in the mid to late 1990’s in conjunction with the construction of Broomfield’s W 144th Ave Water Treatment Facility. This was a replacement facility; the original water treatment facility was located at approximately W. 112th Ave and Simms Street.

The distinction between Glasser Reservoir and other reservoirs in Broomfield (existing and proposed), such as Siena Reservoir and the future Broomfield Reservoir, rests on their distinct operational roles within the water supply infrastructure: Glasser Reservoir functions as an on-site, terminal raw water storage reservoir located directly adjacent to the Water Treatment Plant. Because raw water held in Glasser goes directly into the treatment process without further intervening natural barriers, establishing robust physical perimeter controls is vital to safeguard against direct malevolent acts, illegal dumping, or intrusion prior to treatment, per the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) Section 1433 and the 2024 ASCE/AWWA Guidelines for the Physical Security of Water Utilities (§ 2.4, App. A §§ 1.1, 1.2, 1.3).

Siena Reservoir is an off-site raw water storage facility fed by regional raw water sources (including CBT water and Community Ditch). Unlike Glasser, Siena does not feed directly into the terminal intake of the Water Treatment Facility as an immediate on-site holding basin. It must be pumped into Glasser Reservoir before entering the drinking water treatment facility. Thus, its risk exposure profile and physical security requirements differ under the utility's Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) framework.

Since construction of the Glasser Reservoir, there have been changes to the guidelines and regulations related to critical infrastructure, which is the trigger for the proposed modification to the security for the site. Some key regulatory elements driving these site changes are included below:

• EPA Guidelines for Physical Security of Water Utilities (Appendix A): Section 1.1(2) outlines specific chain-link fencing standards, noting that the base-level standard is a galvanized steel chain-link fence with a 6-foot height, whereas the enhanced-level guideline is a galvanized steel chain-link fence with an 8-foot or greater height.

• 2024 ASCE/AWWA Guidelines for the Physical Security of Water Utilities recommend a cumulative defense strategy to protect community water systems. (§ 2.4, App. A §§ 1.1, 1.2, 1.3) Cumulative defense strategy is the process by which physical and electronic security countermeasures are strategically installed in combination with defense layers.

• 2 CCR 402-1 (Rules and Regulations for Dam Safety and Dam Construction) regulates any modification to a jurisdiction dam, including Glasser. Modification requires application to the State Engineer, design by a registered professional engineer (PE), and review of the design by the State Engineer. There may be other requirements depending on the impacts of the proposed modifications.

The area surrounding Glasser Reservoir has been compromised by walkers/runners, bikers, swimmers, dogs, and individuals fishing. Additionally, there has been documented vandalism of the infrastructure on site. These unauthorized entrances have occurred despite existing fencing, signage regarding restricted access, and other security measures.

Initial Proposed Improvements and September 30, 2026 Community Meeting

In September 2026, the Water Utilities Department proposed installing an eight-foot-tall fence along the perimeter of the Glasser Reservoir. This fence was designed to include a seven-foot-tall section of chain-link fencing with a one-foot barbed wire topper. Glasser Reservoir and the water treatment facility already both have security cameras, but cameras are not as strong a deterrent as a physical barrier like a fence. Water Utilities staff continually evaluate new technology for security cameras and other systems.

On September 30, 2026, a community meeting was held with property owners within the surrounding area, and approximately 30 residents attended the meeting. Water Utilities staff presented the initial proposal and answered questions. The general consensus from the community was a desire for additional information, including possible alternative designs or options available in addition to the initial fencing.

Water Utilities staff shared initial information regarding possible alternative designs, noting that both chain-link and wrought iron fence styles are being considered. They shared that estimated costs for chain-link fencing are $60 per linear foot and decorative wrought iron $157 per linear foot, with overall estimated costs for chain-link fencing of $321,000 and wrought iron fencing of $839,950. In addition to the fencing, staff noted that they are evaluating upgraded technology related to electronic surveillance.

During the meeting, staff stated that they would complete additional research, including cost and life space for possible alternatives, and provide that information electronically through the BroomfieldVoice page and provide an updated proposal at a future Neighborhood Meeting to be publicly noticed consistent with noticing requirements in the Broomfield Municipal Code. Meeting details will be shared on this BroomfieldVoice page once a date is scheduled.

Next Steps and Process

The property containing the Glasser Reservoir is approximately 60 acres in size, and as such, Site Development Plan Amendments for a project this size will require public hearings with both the Land Use Review Commission and Council. Prior to the submittal of a formal development application, a formal neighborhood meeting will also need to be held; this would be the next formal step in the process for this proposed project.

Site Development Plan Amendments are reviewed by the Land Use Review Commission at a public hearing, where the commission votes to recommend approval (with or without conditions) or denial of the proposed project. After the Land Use Review Commission makes its recommendation, the project will be scheduled for a public hearing with Council, where Council will make a final decision regarding approval (with or without conditions) or denial of the request.

Public Engagement

You can engage with this project using the Questions and Comments tabs below, by emailing planning@broomfield.org or by providing comments at a public hearing. All comments provided directly via email and through the Broomfield Voice will be added to the Land Use Review Commission correspondence folder and City Council correspondence folder as applicable. These folders will be reviewed by LURC and / or City Council in advance of any public hearings on the proposal.

A neighborhood meeting will also be held as discussed above on this page.

Following the review of the formal application, public hearings will be scheduled in accordance with the application review process timeline. Public notices will be sent to property owners within 1,000 feet of this project, sign(s) will be posted on the property, and a notice will be published in the Broomfield Enterprise newspaper. Members of the public can attend the public hearings and provide in-person comments if desired.