What's Happening?
The Fort Collins City Council has taken a significant step towards joining the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP), a long-delayed initiative to construct a new reservoir north of the city. This move provides a crucial boost to the project, which
has faced numerous hurdles over the past two decades. Additionally, two other communities, Johnstown and Milliken, are considering joining NISP, potentially increasing the total number of participants to 12. Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District General Manager Brad Wind expressed optimism that the project will commence within the next 12 to 14 months. Fort Collins' participation would also offer an alternative to the city's planned expansion of Halligan Reservoir, which has encountered permitting difficulties. The City Council authorized an interim agreement with Northern Water, allowing Fort Collins to participate in NISP planning through the end of 2026.
Why It's Important?
The potential inclusion of Fort Collins, Johnstown, and Milliken is vital for the NISP, which has seen several participants withdraw due to escalating costs. The project's estimated cost jumped from $2 billion to $2.69 billion in 2025, leading to a reduction in the anticipated annual water yield from 40,000 acre-feet to 19,500 acre-feet. The addition of these communities would increase the project's anticipated annual yield to 22,200 acre-feet, with Fort Collins contributing 1,200 acre-feet, Johnstown 1,400 acre-feet, and Milliken 100 acre-feet. This renewed momentum is crucial for securing the region's water supply, especially as the project aims to provide water to participating communities by diverting it from the Cache la Poudre River. The project's success could alleviate water scarcity concerns and support future growth in Northern Colorado.
What's Next?
Northern Water and its prospective partners are awaiting construction bids for Glade Reservoir and associated infrastructure in November, which will provide a more reliable cost estimate than the current $2.69 billion figure. Following this, Fort Collins is expected to approve another interim agreement later this year to fund activities in 2027, with the goal of signing a binding allotment contract next summer. Other participants are anticipated to sign similar contracts around the same time. If the project proceeds as planned, construction is slated to begin in fall 2027 with the relocation of U.S. 287 north of Fort Collins. Work on the reservoir and its infrastructure is expected to follow in January 2028, with completion projected for 2032.
Beyond the Headlines
The NISP project highlights the complex challenges associated with water resource management in the American West, particularly in rapidly growing regions. The project's long history of delays, environmental lawsuits, and escalating costs underscore the difficulties in balancing development needs with environmental protection and financial feasibility. The agreement with environmental group Save the Poudre in 2025, which included a $100 million commitment to environmental improvements, demonstrates the increasing importance of integrating ecological considerations into large-scale infrastructure projects. The project's future success will depend not only on securing funding and participants but also on effectively managing the environmental impact and ensuring long-term sustainability of water resources in the face of climate change and population growth.
