C-BT Tracking Rule
C-BT Project Water Tracking Rule
The C‐BT Project Water Tracking Rule and accounting procedures were adopted by the Northern Water Board of Directors in 2018 and revised in 2021 and 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the C‐BT Project Water Tracking Rule and related accounting procedures become effective?
The rule and accounting procedures became effective on July 12, 2018, and were revised on January 14, 2021, and June 11, 2026.
Why did Northern Water pursue the rule?
The purpose of this Rule is to ensure that C-BT Project water and C-BT Project water return flows are used in accordance with the Northern Water Repayment Contract with the Bureau of Reclamation, Water Conservancy Act, and Northern Water’s allotment contracts, for the benefit of lands within Northern Water. The information required to be reported in the Rule will assist Northern Water in the protection of C- BT Project water and C-BT Project water seepage and return flows for use within the Northern Water boundaries in accordance with the applicable law and contracts.
What does the 2021 C-BT Project Water Tracking Rule and related accounting procedures cover?
They cover accounting for the storage of C-BT in non-C-BT Project facilities, river diversion and river exchange of C-BT, use of C-BT for oil and gas well development and other non-allottee commercial and industrial uses, domestic and municipal treated C-BT, and domestic and municipal C-BT return flows.
What did the 2026 revisions to the C-BT Project Water Tracking Rule accounting procedures change?
The revisions required domestic and municipal use and discharge accounting to be provided in a manner to allow for the claiming and administration of C-BT Project Water return flows by Northern Water.
Who did the 2026 revisions affect?
These revisions only affect domestic and municipals users.
When will these modifications take effect?
The revisions to the accounting procedures were adopted on June 11, 2026. However, the municipal accounting requirements will remain as previously stated in the 2021 C-BT Project Water Tracking Rule accounting procedures until allotees are noticed by Northern Water.
Does the C-BT Project Water Tracking Rule include accounting or other requirements for Windy Gap Project water or other non-CBT Project water?
No, the rule only concerns accounting for the use of C-BT.
Does an entity have to submit accounting to Northern Water if that accounting has already been submitted to the Colorado Division of Water Resources?
Until Northern Water requires accounting to allow for the claiming and administration of C-BT Project Water return flows, Northern Water will not require an additional submittal, and will use the information submitted to the Colorado Division of Water Resources as long it provides the necessary information on the use and return flows of C-BT.