Pedestrian bridge at the Los Alamos Reservoir. Photo by Chris Clark/ladailypost.com

COUNTY News:

Officials with the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities announced today that the Los Alamos reservoir is open to the public. 

While the access road remains closed to vehicular traffic, pedestrians are welcome to hike and cycle on the road leading up to the reservoir.

Located west of the ice rink, off West Road, the reservoir and surrounding areas were closed by DPU in early January to construct a 10-inch pipeline to connect the reservoir to the townsite’s non-potable water system. The new pipeline conveys non-potable water to irrigate county parks and school fields, conserving Los Alamos’ drinking water in the regional aquifer. DPU crews will occasionally access the area during weekdays for operation and maintenance purposes.

Department officials warn pedestrians visiting the reservoir of possible hazards in the area. During moderate- or high-wind events, there is an increased possibility of falling trees. Travelers are also reminded to be bear aware – hike in groups, make a lot of noise and pay attention to tracks and claw marks on trees.

For additional information, call the Department at 505.662.8333 or send an email to CustomerCare@lacnm.us.

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) operates the county-owned electric, gas, water and wastewater systems under the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utilities. The Board meets at 5:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month and the public is always welcome. The DPU is funded by rates paid for electric, gas, water and wastewater services and auxiliary fees, and has provided the community with these services for more than 40 years. CustomerCare@lacnm.us | 505.662.8333 | www.losalamosnm.us/government/departments/UTILITIES.