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.

Proposed 2026 Modifications

The Northern Water Board of Directors will consider modifications to the 2021 Colorado-Big Thompson Project Water Tracking Accounting Procedures at the June 11, 2026, Board meeting. 

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 January 14, 2021.

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 do the proposed 2026 modifications to the C-BT Project Water Tracking Rule accounting procedures require?

The proposed modifications will require 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 will these modifications affect?

These modifications only affect domestic and municipals users.

When will these modifications take effect?

The modifications will be part of the adopted accounting procedures. However, these accounting requirements will remain as stated in the 2021 C-BT Project Water Tracking Rule accounting procedures until allotees are noticed by Northern Water.

Was there other communication?

Over the past year, we have met with many domestic and municipal allottees to gather feedback on the proposed 2026 modification.

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 use the information submitted to the Colorado Division of Water Resources that is publicly available, and will not require an additional submittal, if it provides the necessary information on the use and return flows of C-BT.