About

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 up to 13 billion gallons of water annually—enough to support 80,000 families—across 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.

NISP Meets High Environmental Standards

Colorado water projects are subject to some of the nation’s most rigorous environmental review and permitting requirements. After evaluating 16 project alternatives and 215 individual components, experts determined that NISP is the most effective and environmentally responsible option for meeting Northern Colorado’s future water needs.

NISP represents a regional approach to water supply development, bringing multiple communities together to implement a single, collaborative solution rather than pursuing separate projects. This partnership reduces environmental impacts, improves efficiency and maximizes public investment.

Public input has played a critical role throughout the planning process. Years of community engagement helped shape project refinements that reduce social and environmental impacts, resulting in a stronger and more responsive project.

Environmental stewardship remains a cornerstone of NISP. The project’s approved Wildlife Mitigation and Enhancement Plan, developed in coordination with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, includes measures to improve stream conditions, enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources.

Northern Water and participating communities have committed approximately $60 million to environmental mitigation and enhancements. This investment helped support the Colorado Water Quality Division’s determination that the project is not expected to cause significant degradation to water quality.

NISP Expands Recreation Opportunities

NISP is about more than securing water supplies—it will also expand outdoor recreation opportunities in Northern Colorado. Glade Reservoir, located northwest of Fort Collins, will provide new opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, biking and camping, helping meet growing demand for outdoor recreation in the region. Similar in size and amenities to Horsetooth Reservoir, the new reservoir will offer an additional destination for residents and visitors.

To support recreation development, NISP participants and partners will invest $24.4 million in facilities at Glade Reservoir, including an educational visitor center, trails, campgrounds, expanded fish hatchery capacity and a public boat ramp.

NISP Strengthens Northern Colorado's Economy

NISP will provide more than a reliable water supply—it will support economic growth, create jobs and help sustain Northern Colorado’s quality of life. The project is expected to generate approximately 500 jobs, benefiting local contractors, suppliers and skilled professionals across a wide range of industries.

Reliable water supplies are essential to the region’s economy, supporting businesses, communities and agriculture. In Weld County alone, agricultural production contributes more than $1 billion annually in market value, making water reliability critical to the long-term success of this key industry.

The development of Glade Reservoir will also create new recreation opportunities, with estimated economic benefits of up to $30 million annually through tourism and outdoor recreation spending. Recognizing the connection between water security and economic vitality, businesses, economic development organizations and communities throughout the region support NISP as an investment in Northern Colorado’s future.

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.

NISP Videos