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From Fort Collins Council Moves Toward Joining Northern Integrated Supply Project

How could the Northern Integrated Supply Project affect Northern Colorado's water security?

Likely What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

Northern Colorado may see increased water yield from new reservoir project The Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) is diverting water from the Cache la Poudre River to fill Glade Reservoir, a planned storage facility north of Fort Collins. The project's progress, including Fort Collins' interim agreement, is expected to increase the region's anticipated annual water yield. With the potential addition of Fort Collins, Johnstown, and Milliken, the annual yield could rise from 19,500 acre-feet to 22,200 acre-feet. This increased capacity provides a more stable and diversified water source for the Northern Colorado region.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Oct 22
Effect
Strong positive
How direct
Stated in the reporting
When
Over the long term
The story
Gone quiet

How it reaches Northern Colorado

Reported by news outlets

Tap any step to see the evidence behind it.

The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • The project centers on Glade Reservoir, a planned 170,000-acre-foot storage facility north of Fort Collins.reporterherald.com
  • The anticipated annual water yield was 19,500 acre-feet with nine participants.reporterherald.com
  • The potential addition of Fort Collins, Johnstown and Milliken would bring the project’s anticipated annual yield to 22,200 acre-feet.reporterherald.com
  • Fort Collins City Council authorized an interim agreement with Northern Water through the end of 2026.reporterherald.com

Why it matters

Water security is a critical issue for Northern Colorado, especially given the project's history of delays and escalating costs. The original project had 15 participants, but the cost jumped more than 30% since 2020, from $2 billion to $2.69 billion in 2025, causing several participants to withdraw.

This project is part of a larger regional effort to manage water infrastructure, as Fort Collins' participation provides an alternative to the city's long-planned expansion of Halligan Reservoir, which has faced permitting difficulties. The project's success is key to firming up water supplies in the region.

What we don't know yet

  • Will Fort Collins approve a binding allotment contract next summer?
  • How will rising fuel costs, inflation, and tariffs affect the final construction price tag?

What would change this answer

Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District secures competitive bids for Glade Reservoir in NovemberThe project's cost estimate will become more reliable, potentially stabilizing the project's financial viability.
Johnstown or Milliken withdraw from the NISPThe anticipated annual water yield will decrease, reducing the positive impact on the region's supply.

Who else could feel it

Other possible ripples from the same event.

Reporting

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The full eventFort Collins Council Moves Toward Joining Northern Integrated Supply Project Everything aboutNorthern Colorado

Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.