NISP Overview
The Northern Integrated Supply Project is a proposed water storage and distribution project that will supply 15 Northern Front Range water partners with 40,000 acre feet of new, reliable water supplies.
The project consists of:
- Two reservoirs (Glade and Galeton)
- A forebay reservoir
- Two pump plants
- Pipelines to deliver water for exchange with two irrigation companies
- Improvements to an existing canal to divert water off the Poudre River near the canyon mouth
At 170,000 acre feet, Glade Reservoir is slightly larger than neighboring Horsetooth Reservoir. Construction of Glade Reservoir will require the relocation of seven miles of U.S. Highway 287 northwest of Fort Collins and will provide a recreational amenity to Northern Colorado.
NISP will store excess water currently leaving the state in years of abundance. Through an exchange with two local ditch companies, the project will provide some water in all years.
How NISP works: Click the arrow in this illustration to play the NISP animation.
It's Time to Explore Every Option
While the people of communities participating in NISP consume significantly fewer gallons per day than residents of Denver, they also understand the need for water storage.
NISP Communities’ Water Conservation Efforts Brochure
The strategy supported by the NISP participants, Northern Water, the State of Colorado, and environmental groups such as Trout Unlimited and the Colorado Environmental Coalition favors a combination of conservation, agricultural partnerships, and new infrastructure.
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Proposed Glade Reservoir
Map shows the two preferred alternative reservoirs, the two proposed highway realignment options and pipelines for ditch company water exchanges.
Click map to view it.
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Project Status
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently conducting a supplemental draft environmental impact statement for NISP. The Corps is working with Northern Water, Fort Collins and Greeley on a common technical platform that will provide a common hydraulic baseline. Once the DEIS is completed, the Corps will release it to the public for comment and schedule public hearings. A final decision will then follow. The 15 NISP participants to date have spent more than $10 million on the EIS permitting process and related studies.
NISP in the News
Rep Gardner touts NISP: water rules are needed
Coloradoan.com, Jan. 16, 2012
Ag Board Endorses NISP - Reporter-Herald, Oct. 25, 2011
Weld County Communities Play Their Own Water Strikes
Greeley Tribune, Sept. 17, 2011
NISP Endorsement/Supporters List - February 2012
More NISP news
Read this required document and other environmental information on the NISP Environment page.
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NISP Key Statistics
NISP key statistics include: 15 participants, $490 million estimated project cost and 40,000-acre-foot yield.
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Water, Jobs and the Economy
The availability of water and the economic health of a community are intrinsically, inextricably linked. Having an adequate water supply is critical to attracting and retaining jobs.
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