Marston Lake, reservoir in Denver, Colorado
Marston Lake is a reservoir near Denver that supplies water to the city through its treatment and distribution system. Water flows in from the South Platte River and is directed to a treatment plant before traveling through pipes to homes and businesses throughout Denver.
The lake was built in 1902 by Denver Water to supply the growing city with water. Over the decades it became a key part of Colorado's water management system and continues to serve the community's needs.
The lake is named after an early settler and is woven into daily life for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. People living nearby see the water regularly and use local trails as a way to step away from the busier streets.
The lake is open year-round during daylight hours but has no official facilities or parking areas on site. It is best viewed from a car or by finding nearby trails while respecting private property boundaries along the shore.
The lake is a reliable spot for observing hard-to-find Barrow's Goldeneye ducks along with other rare waterbirds like Thayer's Gulls. Birdwatchers use online platforms like eBird to track recent sightings and plan their visits accordingly.
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