A dam planned by Parker would be the largest reservoir built on the Front Range in about 40 years.

Parker will use the foundation of the small earthen Rueter Hess Reservoir southwest of town to build a dam that will be more than 60 feet high and can store 72,000 acre feet of water.

An acre foot is enough water for a year for two to four homes, depending on the size of the household.

Frank Jaeger of Parker Water says the project will cost about $180 million. It's expected to take three years to complete.

More than 100 people gathered at the site yesterday to dedicate the expansion of the reservoir.

Parker will own most of the storage capacity in Rueter Hess, but Castle Rock, Castle Pines North and Stonegate will share in the project.