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 if abundance. Through an exchange with two local ditch companies, the project will provide some water in all years.

Proposed future site of Glade Reservoir northwest of Fort Collins

Proposed future site of Glade Reservoir northwest of Fort Collins

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.

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 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. 
 

Project Status 
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently conducting a supplemental draft environmental impact statement for NISP. The Corps anticipates having the SDEIS completed in 2011, at which time they will release it to the public for comment and schedule public hearings. A final decision is expected in 2012. The 15 NISP participants to date have spent more than $8 million on the EIS permitting process and related studies.

NISP in the News
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 - November 2011

More NISP news 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Read this required document and other environmental information on the NISP Environment page. Learn more»
NISP Key Statistics
NISP key statistics include: 15 participants, $490 million estimated project cost and 40,000-acre-foot yield. Learn more»
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. Learn more»