From the original design of Rawhide, Platte River’s approach to water has focused on being a responsible regional water partner in northern Colorado. In 1978, an innovative agreement was developed in which Windy Gap water would first be used by the City of Fort Collins and the reusable return flows, in the form of treated effluent, would be pumped to Hamilton Reservoir at Rawhide. Cooling water is used for steam condensation and flows through a closed-loop system, ultimately evaporating from Hamilton Reservoir, which is a zero-discharge on-site storage reservoir. Reusable water, such as Windy Gap water, is essential at Rawhide. After first use in primary energy production operations, the process and service water is collected and then reused to extinction in subsequent on-site operations.  

“The energy industry is in the midst of a significant transition to a more diverse resource portfolio that will incorporate new generation and storage technologies, many of which rely on water as a key component,” said Platte River Power Authority Senior Fuels and Water Engineer Chris Fields.  

“As Platte River’s water future evolves, it will likely include even more regional partnerships to best utilize water resources in northern Colorado. Chimney Hollow Reservoir will serve as a means for Platte River to provide the energy stability and reliability needed to serve the growing Northern Colorado region as a collaborative water partner,” said Banks.