Meet numerous needs

There's no doubt, our water needs are growing.

Our region has seen unprecedented population growth over the past several years. And we're not done growing. In fact, experts predict our region will gain almost 2 million new residents by 2030. Combine all those thirsty new residents with an agricultural community that's currently experiencing the effects of insufficient water supplies and an uncertain economic outlook, and it's clear that we must explore a new course of action for providing everyone water.

We need to be more fluid in our approach to water.

To address the anticipated population growth, prepare for an uncertain future climate, and preserve some of our agricultural lands, we must build necessary infrastructure now. NISP offers these communities both a short-term solution and a longer-term option. However, while NISP supplies a portion of future needs, it will not meet all anticipated demands. Many communities face current shortages and all will face shortages in their water supply by 2015 unless they acquire new water supplies. NISP is their best option to do so.

Let's not sell out the farms.

When we need to decide between quenching our residents' thirst for water or irrigating our region's farms and ranches, history shows that the residents win. Roughly 3,000 Colorado-Big Thompson (C-BT) units are transferred from agricultural use to municipal use each year. But, that window is closing. Within a decade there won't be many, if any, C-BT units to transfer. Unfortunately, unless water providers invest in new supplies through projects like NISP, farms will begin to dry up at an accelerated rate. By protecting at least 25,000 acres of farmland from water transfers, NISP will meet growing urban water needs while also maintaining water for agricultural purposes.

Northern Integrated Supply Project

Planning for our future

Meet numerous needs

There's no doubt, our water needs are growing.

We need to be more fluid in our approach to water.

Let's not sell out the farms.