Denver-area water parks are implementing changes to conserve water amid ongoing drought conditions across the western United States. At Water World in Federal Heights, the new Summit Canyon area, set to open this summer, uses about 30 percent less water than the attractions it replaced, according to Kellie Flowers, the park's community relations manager.
Flowers told Denver7 that the park's filtration system allows water to be treated and reused throughout the season. The park is also reducing nonessential water use by limiting irrigation on lesser-used grassy areas and scaling back flower beds. Despite the drought, Water World expects to operate normally this summer, welcoming around 500,000 visitors.
Similarly, Elitch Gardens Water Park in Denver uses a recirculating filtration system. Spokesperson Katelyn Beets stated that no changes to pricing, attendance, or operating calendar are anticipated at this time.
These measures come as Colorado and much of the West face low snowpack and warmer temperatures, reducing water supply from melting snow. The Colorado River Basin, serving about 40 million people, is experiencing a prolonged shortage, with Lake Mead and Lake Powell approaching record lows. Experts warn that falling water levels could threaten hydropower production at dams like Hoover and Glen Canyon, which supply electricity to about 2.5 million people.
