Colorado Springs Utilities is conducting a review to examine recreational impacts to the watershed and the three drinking-water reservoirs in the North Slope Recreation Area on Pikes Peak and is asking for community feedback.

Officials announced two public meetings and a survey to collect opinions from recreationists, who will help inform the impacts on on existing recreation in the area. Survey results will be shared during additional public meetings this fall.

One in-person meeting is Tuesday at the Conservation & Environmental Center, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A virtual meeting recapping the first one will be held Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. 

In collaboration with Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain and other stakeholders, the review is being done to ensure a balance between recreation and the protection of the mountain’s sensitive ecosystem, critical dams and drinking water quality, officials said in a news release Monday.

Combined, the three reservoirs store enough water to serve about 60,000 families every year, according to a spokesperson for Springs Utilities.

The review is happening amid “a major rehabilitation” project of the South Catamount Reservoir, one of the three in the North Slope Recreation Area that has been closed since the project began. The project started in 2023 for the dam’s 77-year-old infrastructure and is supposed to enhance safety and performance.

Officials stated in the news release that the project “provides a window” to engage the public in crafting a comprehensive recreation plan for this year’s season.     

Once the review is finished, Utilities staff will review operational changes, and then present a plan that includes policy recommendations to the Colorado Springs City Council, which serves as the Utilities board, for consideration and approval.