Ward #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Lakewood, Colorado, along the Sanderson Gulch. Built in 1888 for irrigation purposes, this 13-foot high structure boasts a storage capacity of 730 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 520 acre-feet. With a surface area of 53 acres and a length of 1550 feet, Ward #1 has been assessed to have low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in July 2005.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Ward #1 falls under state jurisdiction and is subject to regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the state agency. The dam has a spillway type of uncontrolled and a spillway width of 3 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 27 cubic feet per second. Although the risk assessment categorizes Ward #1 as moderate, measures for risk management and emergency action planning have not been fully detailed.

With its historical significance dating back over a century, Ward #1 stands as a testament to early water resource management efforts in Colorado. As climate change impacts water availability and usage patterns, the preservation and maintenance of such structures become crucial for ensuring sustainable water management practices in the region. Enthusiasts and stakeholders interested in the intersection of water resources, climate, and infrastructure will find Ward #1 a fascinating case study in the evolution of water infrastructure in the state.