75th Anniversary
The year 2012 marks Northern Water’s 75th anniversary.
Northern Water was created on Sept. 20, 1937, four months after the Colorado Legislature passed the Water Conservancy Act, a landmark piece of legislation in state water management.
In celebration of its big year, Northern Water will be offering a range of events and educational opportunities, including:
- Commemorative posters: Free posters are available at Northern Water’s headquarters, 220 Water Ave. in Berthoud. (See poster below.)
- Historical presentations: Northern Water staff can attend your meeting or group event and discuss C-BT and water history.
- Historical displays: Posters describe Colorado’s water needs and construction of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project.
75th Anniversary Events
Open house celebration
Sept. 20
Berthoud headquarters
Fall Water Users Meeting
Nov. 7
University of Northern Colorado, Greeley
More information will be posted on this Web page. Or contact Brian Werner at 970-622-2229 or e-mail
bwerner@ncwcd.org
Free posters are available at Northern Water’s headquarters,
220 Water Ave. in Berthoud.
Statewide Celebration
The year 2012 has significance for other water agencies, too. The Colorado River Water Conservation District was created to protect the interests of the West Slope of the Continental Divide, and the Colorado Water Conservation Board formed under the Department of Natural Resources to oversee the state’s water issues.
In January, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper announced on video that 2012 is The Year of Water, which he also declared in a proclamation.
To learn more about the resulting statewide educational and celebratory effort, visit the Colorado Water 2012 website, which includes an animated video describing the need for the C-BT Project.
Memorable Milestones
Historic Events & Photos in Northern Water's History
Northern Water and Reclamation signed the C-BT repayment contract on July 5, 1938.
Voters, Northern Water approve C-BT Repayment Contract
On June 28, 1938, Northeastern Colorado voters authorized Northern Water to sign a contract with the United States and to assess a 1 mill ad valorem tax on all properties within Northern Water boundaries to build and operate the C-BT Project.
The 22-page repayment contract described the 34 features to be constructed, the 40 years without interest to repay construction costs, operation and maintenance of “joint features” used for both power and irrigation, and the tax levies and allotments allowed by Northern Water.
Contract Approved by a 17:1 Margin
The daily newspapers printed the document for voters’ perusal. By combining existing voting precincts, Northern Water was divided into 24 separate voting entities. The repayment contract passed with 7,510 votes for and 439 votes against – a 17:1 margin.
On July 5, 1938, Northern Water signed the repayment contract with the United States, agreeing to pay up to $25 million during the 40-year repayment period.While the price tag for project construction was nearly $162 million, it is regarded by many as a bargain for Northern Colorado’s residents.
Looking Back 75 years: Key Events in 1937
May 13, 1937
Colorado Governor Teller Ammons signs the Conservancy District Act into law.
June 1937
Proponents circulate petitions throughout Northeastern Colorado to organize the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District.
June 11, 1937
The Northern Colorado Water Users Association and the Western Slope Protective Association reach an agreement to endorse the C-BT Project, including construction of Green Mountain Reservoir.
June 15, 1937
U. S. Senator Alva B. Adams presents Senate Document 80 to Congress (a development plan and cost estimates for the C-BT Project).
June 24, 1937
Congress approves Senate Document 80, authorizing construction of the C-BT Project.
August 9, 1937
President Roosevelt signs the Interior Department appropriations bill committing $900,000 in construction funds to the C-BT Project.
September 20, 1937
The District Court of Weld County orders the creation of the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District.