Safeguarding Water Resources
Water is a Fundamental Building Block of a Prosperous Community
When water leaves our communities, we forever lose the building blocks that are foundational to our economy, regional wellbeing and sense of place. If water exports continue to go unchecked, we will be faced with a less secure, more uncertain future. As water leaves, so does opportunity, wealth, and what makes Northeastern Colorado a great place to live, work and play, both now and into the future.
For over 170 years, the citizens of Northeastern Colorado have gone to extraordinary lengths to develop a safe, reliable supply of water. Today, this water is essential to nearly every aspect of life in our region, whether it is used to fuel our robust economy, grow food and forage, or support environmental and recreational values within our watersheds. Unfortunately, increasing demand and competition for these water resources is resulting in some of the best land and native water rights being acquired by entities well beyond our region, with the intent to export these supplies to thirsty cities in and around the Denver Metro Area. In return, communities in Northeastern Colorado are left trying to make use of expensive, less reliable, junior water rights to support regional growth and the lifestyles we enjoy today. It is not sustainable.
Northern Water manages the Colorado-Big Thompson (C-BT) Project which collects, stores and delivers more than 200,000 acre-feet of supplemental water each year to Northeastern Colorado. Retaining native water supplies is necessary to ensure that water yielded from the C-BT Project remains a supplemental water supply for irrigation, domestic, municipal and industrial purposes. To preserve the integrity of the C-BT Project and thus the foundation of our Northeastern Colorado communities, we strongly oppose the export of native water supplies for use outside of our region.
Our mission is evolving to include working with our neighbors to safeguard precious water resources for the current and future benefit of our region. Protecting native water supplies means securing opportunities for Northeastern Colorado to grow smart, be vibrant and realize a bright and certain future for generations to come.
Increasing Pressures on our Region’s Water Resources
Increasing competition for our region’s water resources is resulting in some of the best land and native water rights in Northeastern Colorado being targeted for acquisition by entities within and around the Denver Metro area. Water is being permanently transferred for use outside of our region mostly through “buy and dry” practices which can have devastating effects to local communities and the environment.
Many of the thirsty cities targeting our region’s water resources are projected to grow rapidly in coming decades but arrived “late to the game” in developing necessary water supplies. Some have developed on non-renewable groundwater that are unsustainable. Other factors such as climate change and strong opposition to developing water from other basins are putting increased pressure squarely on our precious water resources.
Water Exports Threaten Northeastern Colorado’s Future
Some communities in Northeastern Colorado are already experiencing the damaging effects of “buy and dry” practices that involve the permanent transfer of water from agriculture to urban end uses located many miles from the historic place of use. Water and land acquired by the City of Thornton in the mid-1980s will start moving to the Denver Metro Area by the end of this decade and the City of Aurora recently acquired water rights from a ditch system that historically irrigated lands now located within the Town of Windsor.
Water transfers present numerous challenges for growing communities in our region including increased water acquisition costs, additional pressures on water rates and housing affordability and reduced water security. For our more rural communities, less water for agriculture means fewer jobs, less vibrant downtowns and greater difficulties operating ditch systems, to name a few.
Before other Front Range communities come into our backyard looking for additional supplies, they should first maximize the use of existing sources by implementing additional water efficiency measures, enacting “smart growth” policies and maximizing water reuse, wherever possible. If water transfers must occur, Northern Water supports appropriate mitigation for the economic, environmental and social impacts to Northeastern Colorado caused by water exports.
News
A New Water Ethos
Use Water Wisely
Set a good example for others by eliminating waste, practicing efficiency and stewarding our region’s water resources.
Think Local
Consider selling your water and land assets to a local entity or explore options to keep ownership of assets within the region.
Share Your Opinion
Communicate the importance of retaining water within our region with your elected officials and water providers.
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