Project

Two New Reservoirs to Support Northern Colorado's Growing Communities 

The Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) will deliver 40,000 acre-feet of new, reliable water annually to 15 water providers across the Northern Front Range. These providers will serve nearly 500,000 residents by 2050, helping secure the region’s water future. 

Northern Water is leading the permitting, design, and construction of this vital project on behalf of its participants. Key components of NISP include: 

  • Glade Reservoir and Forebay (northwest of Fort Collins) and Galeton Reservoir (northeast of Greeley)
  • Relocation of U.S. Highway 287
  • A new tunnel and canal to deliver water to the Glade Forebay from the Poudre River near the canyon mouth
  • Five pump plants to support water movement and delivery
  • Pipelines for water exchange with two irrigation companies and delivery to participating communities

Together, these elements form a modern, efficient water supply system designed to meet the needs of a growing population while supporting agriculture, recreation and environmental stewardship. 

aerial photo of future Glade Reservoir site

Preparing for Construction Start

With construction of Glade Reservoir components anticipated to begin in early 2027, NISP teams are actively finalizing design packages, procurement strategies and state permitting requirements. Procurement for the main construction packages will begin by the end of 2025 and Highway 287 construction will begin in 2026.  

In 2025, a value engineering effort between the NISP Water Activity Enterprise and its consultants led to key design revisions for major components of the Glade Unit, aimed at reducing construction costs and optimizing project operations. Notable outcomes included: 

  • Lowering the height of the main Glade Reservoir embankment while maintaining its full storage capacity of170,000 acre-feet
  • Reducing the forebay storage capacity from1,500 acre-feet to 500 acre-feet
  • Simplifying the Low-Level Outlet Works configuration
  • Optimizing designs for the Glade Inlet Canal, which will transport water from the Poudre River to the forebay, and the Glade Pump Plant

These design refinements are projected to reduce construction costs by more than $100 million, while continuing to meet all operational objectives.