Public Service Company owns and operates an aqueduct that transports water from Barker Reservoir near the town of Nederland through a closed aqueduct to Kossler Lake east of the Planning Area, where it is then channeled to a hydroelectric generator in Middle Boulder Creek several miles west of downtown Boulder. In other words, water is removed from Boulder Creek near Nederland, and returned to Boulder Creek about 15 miles downstream.
Leaks in the pipe that transport the water create some wetlands. Leaks do present a potential problem within and near the Planning Area since numerous mines and mine-waste dumps exist near and typically below the aqueduct (see Mine Drainage, above). Leakage from the aqueduct could create or exacerbate toxic mine drainage into the neighboring areas or into other ground or surface water sources. Because of the leaks, it is anticipated that the aqueduct will need substantial repairs in the near future.
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