Great Western Reservoir helped make Broomfield's growth possible. But its location immediately downstream from Rocky Flats also made it part of Colorado's nuclear history. After plutonium and tritium associated with the plant were detected in the watershed and reservoir, Broomfield ultimately replaced Great Western as a drinking-water source. Today, plutonium remains in its sediments.

Broomfield's Resolution 2026-115 supports expanding the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act at a critical moment. H.R. 10115 could bring federal recognition and assistance to communities surrounding Rocky Flats—communities that have spent decades asking for greater acknowledgment, health research and support.