Union Reservoir Nature Area

Water levels at Union Reservoir are lower than normal for this time of year and are affecting access. The main reason Union is low is because the streams that supply it don’t have much water. Union is a junior reservoir, which means it has to wait until other, higher priority reservoirs are full before it can store water. Longmont is working to add some of its water to Union, but it will happen slowly, and the reservoir likely won’t fill up this summer.

Swim Beach Opening Delayed for Safety

After a safety review with Recreation staff, Park Rangers, and Risk Management, the City has decided to delay opening the Union Reservoir Swim Beach, which was planned for Memorial Day weekend.

Why the Delay?
Low water levels have exposed parts of the old lakebed near the Swim Beach that still contain glass, fishing gear, and other debris from the reservoir’s past. Rangers have cleared the visible shoreline, but we can’t confirm that submerged areas are safe for swimmers.

Next Steps to Opening the Swim Beach
We’ll wait until the water rises enough to cover the cleaned lakebed and sandy beach. Once it’s safe, we’ll open a smaller swim area and expand it as water levels increase.

When Will It Open?
We’re not sure yet when the Swim Beach will open. The Union Reservoir Ditch Company says it could be anywhere from mid-June to August, depending on water flow and system needs. Thank you for your patience—we’ll open the Swim Beach as soon as it’s safe to do so.