Water Flow: Groundwater Surges Over Ward Rd Sidewalk
Kaiser Permanente and state agencies investigate a persistent seep that has transformed a state-maintained sidewalk into a slick, vegetated hazard.
By Alina Marshall ·
A continuous flow of water has turned a section of the Ward Road sidewalk into a hazardous, bog-like passage, forcing pedestrians to navigate through thick aquatic vegetation near the Interstate 70 interchange. The issue has persisted for years, but recent growth has made the path nearly impossible to cross without slipping.
The water originates from under the Kaiser Permanente medical facility on the west side of Ward Road, which serves as State Highway 72. Although a creek appears on satellite maps just south of the building, detailed topographical research identifies the area as home to two irrigation ditches: the Consolidated Juchem Ditch and the smaller Swadley Ditch. These waterways historically moved water from mountain rivers to local farms, a practice dating back to the 1860s.
Jerry Hightower, the superintendent of the Juchem Ditch, stated that the water flowing over the sidewalk does not come from his organization. He suggested the source could be the nearby Swadley Ditch or groundwater naturally seeping to the surface. This assessment aligns with the findings of the Colorado Division of Water Resources, which has received complaints about wet areas in the vicinity for some time.
Jason Smith, the tributary coordinator for the division, described the area as a "really wet" zone where the exact source of the underground water remains unclear. He noted that the flow could be a natural spring or general seepage. The Colorado Department of Transportation, which maintains the sidewalk, agreed with this assessment after consulting its maintenance teams.
Andrew Sorensen of Kaiser Permanente confirmed that the organization was unaware of the specific issue until it was brought to their attention. He stated that the company is currently investigating whether the water originates from their property. Sorensen emphasized that Kaiser views itself as a responsible environmental steward and is committed to understanding the situation before taking action.
State law allows property owners to divert water to prevent damage, provided the water returns to its natural drainage course. Smith explained that creating a small ditch to guide the flow down the hill toward Clear Creek, passing the Swadley Ditch, is legally permissible. Kaiser has indicated it is amenable to this solution once the source is fully identified.
Maintenance workers from the state recently cleared vegetation from the sidewalk, but the bog-like plant life has already returned. With winter approaching, the persistent moisture raises concerns about ice accumulation on the state-maintained walkway. The City of Wheat Ridge confirmed that the state, not the city, holds responsibility for the sidewalk's upkeep.
The Colorado Department of Transportation stated it will continue to monitor the area. The agency plans to address cleanup if water or ice accumulation poses a safety concern for those walking along Ward Road north of the interstate.
