Growth Requires New Water Supply Solutions in Colorado

Colorado cities located north of Denver consider the future of water as the region grows. New infrastructure and new partnerships will be necessary to meet demand for water in the future.

1 minute read

May 9, 2018, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Colorado Water

A Big Thompson Project canal, pictured in the foothills west of Fort Collins. | marekuliasz / Shutterstock

Emily Wenger reports from the town of Windsor, Colorado, which has enough water for its residents now, but knows it will need to pay for more water infrastructure to keep up with a growing population.

"To pay for the projects that would provide that water as well as treat it, Windsor may need to raise rates for its existing customers," according to Wenger. Windsor relies on imported water, bought from cities that are also growing. Among the options for meeting its future water needs is a proposal to build a regional water treatment plant that "would serve Severance, Eaton and the Fort Collins-Loveland Water District," according to Wenger.

The article also focuses on the work of a city at the other end of the system: Greeley, which supplies Windsor with water. Greeley would look for other regional partners if Windsor someday built the necessary facilities to end its imports.

Monday, May 7, 2018 in The Denver Post

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

People walking in downtown St. Louis, walking past shops.

Move over, LA: St. Louis gears up for Olympics, invests millions in downtown redevelopment

The Missouri city will host the 2028 Olympic soccer group stage and knockout matches.

30 minutes ago - Smart Cities Dive

A swamp in South Carolina with tall pale trees and Spanish moss in the water.

Satanic place names

From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.

October 31 - The Daily Yonder

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters