How could the Northern Integrated Supply Project affect Larimer County's infrastructure and regulation?
Water diversion project may require major regulatory and infrastructure changes in Larimer County The Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) plans to build Glade Reservoir, a 170,000-acre-foot storage facility north of Fort Collins. This project requires extensive infrastructure, including pipelines, pumping stations, and the relocation of seven miles of U.S. 287. As the reservoir and associated infrastructure are located within Larimer County, the county will be responsible for managing the regulatory framework and overseeing the operational changes required to implement this major water supply initiative.
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How it reaches Larimer County
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Fort Collins City Council moved toward joining the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) on October 21, 2026. NISP involves building a new reservoir, Glade Reservoir, north of Fort Collins, which would hold water diverted from the Cache la Poudre River. The project could potentially include Johnstown and Milliken, bringing the total number of participants to 12.
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The project requires the construction of Glade Reservoir, pipelines, and pumping stations, as well as the relocation of seven miles of U.S. 287, all of which are situated within Larimer County. The county must manage the regulatory framework and oversee the operational changes associated with the development and operation of this large-scale water and transportation infrastructure.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- reporterherald.com Wednesday
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The facts so far
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- NISP centers on Glade Reservoir, a planned 170,000-acre-foot storage facility north of Fort Collins.reporterherald.com
- The project calls for pipelines, pumping stations and the relocation of seven miles of U.S. 287.reporterherald.com
- Fort Collins City Council authorized an interim agreement with Northern Water through the end of 2026.reporterherald.com
- Estimated costs jumped more than 30% since 2020, from $2 billion to $2.69 billion in 2025.reporterherald.com
Why it matters
The NISP represents a major effort to secure regional water supplies, which is critical for the growth and stability of communities in Larimer County. The project could provide an alternative water source for Fort Collins, which has faced permitting difficulties with its own planned expansion of Halligan Reservoir.
However, the project is complex and costly, with estimated expenses rising significantly. The county must navigate the regulatory hurdles and infrastructure demands of a massive undertaking, balancing the need for water security against the financial and logistical burdens of construction and operation.
What we don't know yet
- What specific regulatory changes will Larimer County need to implement to support the NISP?
- How will the county manage the financial implications of the project's escalating cost?
What would change this answer
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Reporting
- reporterherald.comWednesday
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