Oct. 11, 2023

Participant Profile: City of Longmont

Chimney Hollow Reservoir is a critical element in the long-term plans for the City of Longmont’s water supply. With just over 100,000 residents, Longmont has a history of developing a dependable and resilient water supply along the Front Range. Throughout many years, the city has carefully planned full development of its growth area and determined water supplies necessary to support that growth.  

“As an original participant in the Windy Gap Project, Longmont has a long-standing commitment to the Windy Gap Project and its ability to provide the city with water for the future,” City of Longmont Water Resources Manager Ken Huson said. “The Chimney Hollow Reservoir project is critical for Longmont to finish developing this water supply on a firm basis.” 

Although Longmont has sufficient water supplies during an average year, Chimney Hollow will allow the city to continue to supply water during drought periods, which Colorado is no stranger to. 

City of Longmont logo

“Since the Windy Gap Diversion Project is not firm during dry periods, it is critical for the Chimney Hollow Reservoir Project to be built to allow for the firming of the diversion project. The construction of the Windy Gap Firming Project literally protects the city’s investment in the original Windy Gap diversion project,” Huson added. 

Water from the project is reusable and Longmont has a robust water reuse program that conserves potable water supply by reusing existing water supplies. Windy Gap water is treated at the wastewater treatment plant and delivered to the St. Vrain Creek watershed, which meets downstream water delivery obligations.  

“The most exciting element of the Chimney Hollow Reservoir is that it will provide one of the most significant pieces of Longmont’s future water supply strategy, allowing the city to confidently plan for its future,” Huson said.