SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. -- Between concerns about security, curious sightseers and communication issues, Denver Water has decided to hire full-time guards to patrol the scenic mountain dam and one of Denver's most important water sources.

The patrol started over the weekend but most drivers crossing the Dillon Dam noticed the guard for the first time Monday morning.

"The first thing I noticed were the little white trucks driving up and down the dam road," said Trudy Carp, who eats lunch by the scenic reservoir several times a week. "I was surprised, I was like where did these guys come from?"

The Dillon Dam is a main east-west thoroughfare in Summit County, but five months ago, it was shut down for more than a week while officers investigated an incident involving two men shooting a music video on the road.

"The dam road was closed at that particular time, and they were in an area that was closed. That was unusual and that was what got the ball rolling," said Craig Austin, manager of safety and security for Denver Water.

He said during the routine security evaluation, the negative attention from that stunt was one of several reasons Denver Water increased security on Dillon Dam Road, hiring a private security firm to be their eyes and ears, patrolling 24-7.

"It allows us to let the caretaker do their caretaker jobs, and we'd still be able to respond to safety and security issues," said Austin.

He referred to car accidents, boating accidents, and curious sightseers who stop on the dam, even though it's illegal.

For those who live in Summit County, it's hard to imagine it could be a terrorist target or security concern.

"Maybe it makes some people feel more secure, but personally, I feel it's a waste of money," said Carp.

Denver Water said the price tag for 24-7 security on Dillon dam is about $350,000 per year.