BOULDER’S WATERWORKS

ning from Barker Dam to a forebay reservoir at Kossler, a penstock (pressurized pipeline)
leading to a powerhouse, and another reservoir out on the plains (Twin Lakes Reservoir)
northeast of Boulder to capture water released from the hydroplant for later irrigation
use. 83 Eastern Colorado Power eliminated the reservoir site at Sulphide because drilling
tests showed that the glacial gravel deposits at the site were so thick and the bedrock layer
so deep that a water-tight reservoir couldn't be built. 84 The plans changed to focus on the
remaining dam site in a meadow east of Nederland, owned by widowed schoolteacher,
Hannah Barker. She initially refused to sell, but condemnation proceedings in the Boulder
District Court in 1907 forced the sale in exchange for $23,800. 85
As soon as work was begun on Barker Dam, newspaper readers were kept informed. In
January 1908, the Daily Camera stated that, during the fall, between 600 and 700 men
were employed at the various camps. The original plans that provided for the construction
of the Sulphide dam first were changed, and work was shifted to Barker Meadows, where
winter quarters were built. “A steam shovel is now at work below the dam site,” stated a
reporter. “About 50 men are now employed at the Barker dam and this will be increased as
fast as weather conditions permit the working of a larger force. It is expected that by the
first of May, 300 men will be employed at Barker meadows, when the work will go forward
night and day.” 86
In 1926, when Henry Drumm drew this Boulder County map, the narrow gauge railroad was no longer in
operation, but the railroad grades were still in place. The map shows the railroad grade extending south
from Cardinal Station. At Sulphide, the main line went west to Eldora, but a spur line went east through the
abandoned “Nederland Reservoir” site, then extended the length of the completed Barker Meadow Reservoir.
Pettem collection
42