Colorado’s lakes are often reservoirs rather than natural bodies of water. Many of these reservoirs have contentious histories. Some sit above ghost towns that were abandoned. These reservoirs were created for water storage, flood protection, and recreation. Their construction often involved controversial decisions and displaced communities.
As water levels drop, the ruins of these lost towns are reemerging. The story, reported by the Colorado Sun, highlights the changing landscape. The shrinking water levels expose foundations, roads, and other remnants of the former settlements. These visible ruins serve as a reminder of the state’s evolving water management practices.
Sources: Colorado Sun (nonprofit statewide newsroom)
