Manitou is a vital water resource facility located in Cascade, El Paso County, Colorado. Constructed in 1971, this earth dam stands at a height of 123 feet and serves the primary purpose of water supply. With a maximum storage capacity of 1100 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 700 acre-feet, Manitou plays a crucial role in supporting the local water supply needs in the region. The dam's reservoir covers a surface area of 27 acres and is fed by the North Fork French Creek.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Manitou has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 15,900 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Manitou continues to undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safe operation. With its strategic location and essential role in water supply management, Manitou stands as a crucial infrastructure for the community's water resource and climate resilience.