BOULDER’S WATERWORKS

This drawing of the original two generators is a detail from the Central Colorado Power Company’s original
“Power House and Pressure Line” plan. Courtesy City of Boulder
The Colorado Power Company acquired the Central Colorado Power Company in 1913, then
merged with the Public Service Company of Colorado in 1924. Except for brief periods for
repair and renovation, the plant has operated continuously since 1910.
The narrow gauge railroad was abandoned in 1919 after a flood washed out many miles of
track. By then, motorized vehicles had lessened the demand, in the mining communities,
for trains to haul out ore and bring in supplies. Forest Crossen, the late author of The Switzerland
Trail of America, writes that, when Barker Reservoir is low, it is sometimes possible
to see the grade of the temporary spur line that extends almost to Barker Dam. 99
For several decades, there were five houses located at the Boulder Canyon Hydro site
where plant operators and their families lived. Everett H. Brines worked as an operator at
the plant for 38 years (1920-1958). He and his wife, Daisy Irene, raised six children at the
site. In his memoir, Brines recalled that he was paid $90 a month. His compensation also
included free rent, water, and utilities.
Brines also recalled lightning strikes at the plant that would “throw a load on our generators
and they would start to groan and make a hell of a noise.” In 1933, Brines burned his
right hand so badly that it had to be amputated, when he accidentally touched one of the
13,000-kilovolt (KV) circuit breakers. He was given an artificial hand, but he found it cumbersome
and didn't use it. 100
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