September 2025 the HRHS was privileged to have two tours of the Highlands Ranch Water Treatment Plant. Formerly known as Centennial Water, HR Water staff were eager to share thier knowledge and expertise in all things HR Water with us. Prior to the tour, Kari Larese, HR Water Communications Manager, visited the August program, provided water-related literature, and facilitated the tour. Thank You Kari!
These tours were a follow up to the August program: Keeping Informed on Colorado’s Water Crisis, which was presented by SJ Light. HR Water also presented at that program. View the Photo Gallery of the August program for a lot of Colorado Water information, immediately below.
Nick George, the Director and overseer of potable water treatment at Joseph Blake Water Treatment Plant was our tour guide on September 12. Prior to the tour, Nick gave a brief overview of the water treatment process and what to expect to see during the walking portion. Topics covered included Surface Water Treatment Basics, such as Raw Water, Coagulation and Flocculation, Sedimentation, Filtration, Disinfection and Distribution.
In addition to the HR Water Plant, there are many other locations in and near the Ranch that are involved in the water story, including Water Holding Tanks, Wells, Reservoirs and Sewage Treatment.
It was apparent that a great deal of time, energy, financial resources and foresight went into the process to make our water safe and available literally at the turning on of a spigot. Visit the Photo Gallery below for more pictures from the Water Plant Tour.
One of the final thoughts, after seeing the elaborate set up and all of the work that goes into the water treatment process, was simple–
Read the 3 page Tour Transcript –In the Photo Gallery Above
Comments made by tour participants echoed the thoughts of many, this was an interesting and very valuable insight into such an important issue such as fresh, clean water.
Re: September 2025 HR Water Treatment Plant Tour
Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the Water Treatment Plant tour. It was very informative. I have a new appreciation for the cost of clean water. Thanks for offering this tour.
~ Janet M
“Thank you so much for arranging this tour. It was utterly fascinating, and I wish everyone in Highlands Ranch could have an understanding of how HR Water works. So very interesting.”
~ Tisha
November 2025 Update: As posted by HR Water re: Cline Ranch Flow Facility
“This fall, our team completed important upgrades at the Cline Ranch Delayed Return Flow Facility, a site in Park County, CO that helps us return water to Tarryall Creek so it can be captured downstream and used again. Here, water is diverted into pipes and ditches, soaks into the ground, and naturally flows back into the creek over time. To keep this system running smoothly, we installed new headgates and headwalls for flow control, updated piping, added a beaver protection fence to prevent blockages, and restored the area to its natural condition. These behind-the-scenes improvements help ensure reliable water flow and support long-term reliability for our community.”
Photos courtesy of HR Water and Shirley Cavanaugh
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