July 22, 2025

How Northern Water is Becoming More Efficient

While Northern Water’s main purpose is to deliver water to Front Range water users, it is important that in doing so, we are good stewards of the environment by implementing wise-water and energy practices in our operations.

One way that Northern Water practices water efficiency is through the irrigation system at its Berthoud Headquarters. When the campus was built in 2003, Northern Water implemented a dual water use system that has been gaining popularity for large landscapes throughout the region. Dual water use systems utilize two different water sources for irrigation: raw or reclaimed water and domestic water. An on-campus pond stores raw water that, alongside the accompanying pump house, services most of the campus and about half of the Conservation Gardens.  

Northern Water has also met LEED Silver certification standards for its Willow Creek campus in Granby, as well as its recent Berthoud Campus expansion. To meet this rigorous green building standard, a 75-kilowatt solar energy system consisting of 310 solar panels has been online since 2023 and has saved 154 megawatt-hours of energy over the past year, equating nearly $8,700. 

Berthoud campus oxbow with Building A in background

“The solar panels are contributing to lowering the cost of our electrical bills,” said Project Manager Amy Cook. “As a result, there is a 150-kilowatt system undergoing design for Building A, and there are plans to include solar power in the future for the Willow Creek campus.” 

Northern Water has remained committed to setting an example of efficient energy and water use and is continually working to educate the public about ways they can implement more efficient practices in their homes, businesses and landscapes. The main tool for public education is the Conservation Campus and Gardens, where regular tours, seminars, events and more are hosted throughout the year welcoming hundreds of visitors to be inspired by water-wise plants and irrigation techniques.  

The campus and gardens continue to grow and evolve, and Northern Water’s staff is dedicated to being early adopters of new, more efficient ways of operating as methods and technologies improve.