About

Securing Northern Colorado's Water Future with NISP

NISP will Meet Sustainable Water Needs

Northern Colorado is growing—and fast. By 2050, the region’s population is expected to double, dramatically increasing the demand for a reliable water supply. While conservation efforts have made water use more efficient, conservation alone cannot meet the needs of our future.

To ensure a sustainable water future, Northern Water is investing in innovative solutions. NISP is a forward-thinking partnership designed to deliver long-term water security for our communities.

NISP will provide 13 billion gallons of water annually—enough to support 80,000 families—across 15 cities, towns and water districts. This vital resource will help maintain Northern Colorado’s high quality of life and support a thriving economy, even as our population grows.

NISP is an Investment for Northern Colorado

NISP is more than a water supply solution—it’s a comprehensive investment in the future of Northern Colorado. NISP will help secure a reliable water future while enhancing recreation, supporting environmental stewardship, improving infrastructure safety and reducing water waste.

As part of NISP, Northern Water will:

• Construct two new water storage reservoirs that will offer significant public outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Relocate and modernize seven miles of U.S. Highway 287 northwest of Fort Collins, improving safety and transportation efficiency.
• Upgrade ditches and canals throughout the system to boost reliability and minimize water loss.
• Install large, resilient underground pipelines to support cooperative water exchanges and deliver water to cities, towns and districts serving over 500,000 people today.

NISP Provides High Standards of Environmental Responsibility

In Colorado, water projects must comply with rigorous environmental laws and regulations. After evaluating 16 project concepts and 215 potential elements, experts concluded that NISP is the most effective and responsible solution to meet the region’s growing water needs.

Rather than pursuing 15 separate projects, NISP brings together 15 communities in a regional partnership—working collaboratively to develop one sustainable water supply solution. This cooperative approach reduces environmental impact and increases efficiency.

Public involvement has been a cornerstone of NISP’s planning process. Years of community engagement have led to meaningful project adjustments that minimize social and environmental impacts. Listening to the public has made the project stronger.

NISP’s commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in its approved Wildlife Mitigation and Enhancement Plan, developed in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The plan includes numerous features that will improve stream flows, support wildlife habitats and protect the natural environment.

Northern Water is proud to invest approximately $60 million in environmental mitigation and enhancements. This commitment contributed to the Colorado Water Quality Division’s finding that “no significant degradation is expected” as part of the project.

Expanding Outdoor Recreation in Northern Colorado

NISP is about more than securing drinking water—it’s about enhancing quality of life. With the creation of a new reservoir, NISP will open the door to more opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, biking and camping in Northern Colorado’s great outdoors. As the region grows, many popular outdoor destinations have become increasingly crowded. Glade Reservoir, located northwest of Fort Collins, will offer a new space for recreation—similar in size and amenities to the beloved Horsetooth Reservoir.

To make this vision a reality, NISP participants will invest $24.4 million in recreation facilities at Glade Reservoir:

• $20.6 million from NISP participants
• $3.8 million from Larimer County and other partners

These funds will support the development of:

• An educational visitor center
• Trails and campgrounds
• Expanded fish hatchery capacity
• A public boat ramp

Driving Jobs and Economic Growth in Northern Colorado

NISP will deliver more than water—it will bring direct economic benefits and create hundreds of jobs across Northern Colorado. NISP is expected to generate approximately 500 jobs for local contractors and suppliers. The project will engage a wide range of professionals, including engineers, scientists, excavation crews, pipe fitters, electricians, concrete providers, landscape teams and equipment rental companies.

Water infrastructure projects like NISP act as economic multipliers. As jobs are created, additional spending will flow into the local economy—supporting businesses, families and communities.

NISP also supports agriculture, a cornerstone of Northern Colorado’s economy. In Weld County alone, agricultural production generates over $1 billion in market value annually. Reliable water supply is essential to sustaining this vital industry.

Additionally, the development of Glade Reservoir will bring new recreational opportunities valued at up to $30 million per year, boosting tourism and local business.

Economic development organizations and businesses across the region have endorsed NISP, recognizing that water supply and economic health go hand in hand. Nearly 30 cities and towns across four counties will benefit from the water provided by NISP—ensuring a more resilient and prosperous future for Northern Colorado.

Northern Water Is Delivering on NISP

Northern Colorado’s future water security depends on NISP—a thoughtfully designed and thoroughly reviewed solution to meet the region’s growing needs. Water supply projects in Colorado undergo rigorous regulatory scrutiny. That’s why Northern Water has invested significant time and resources into conducting detailed studies and analyses that meet the highest standards. NISP has been reviewed by every relevant state and federal agency and has successfully reached every permitting milestone to date.

As part of the regulatory process, Northern Water developed extensive protections and enhancements for the aquatic and wildlife environment within the Poudre River watershed. These plans have been approved by regulatory agencies and reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship.

We’re proud of the solid work and dedication that has brought NISP to this stage. When completed, it will stand as one of Colorado’s premier water supply projects—demonstrating how responsible planning can benefit both people and the environment.