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Horsetooth Outlet Project (HOP) FAQs#

HOP Basics and Current Conditions#

The Horsetooth Outlet Project (HOP) is a planned rehabilitation and maintenance project on the Soldier Canyon Dam outlet that conveys water from Horsetooth Reservoir, through the dam to the Fort Collins Utilities and Soldier Canyon water treatment facilities. 

During HOP, crews will remove rust, recoat valves and replace rubber seals. They also will clean multiple trash racks, which screen out debris. These actions will improve efficiency and extend the life of our infrastructure. 

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District jointly operate and maintain certain features of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project including Horsetooth Reservoir and are leading the project. 

HOP will begin mid-October.

This timing was chosen to decrease impacts to customers and landscaping and allow time for the work to be completed before winter weather sets in. While there is a chance of hard freezes and heavy snowfall that may hinder construction, the risk is lower than later in the year. 

Another benefit of this timing is that reservoir levels are typically lower in the fall, which is needed for crews to access portions of the outlet works.  

Northern Water anticipates the project will take approximately 30-45 days, likely ending in early December (weather permitting).

Based on the location of the fire and importance of keeping our infrastructure strong in the likelihood we need to rely more heavily on Horsetooth Reservoir water supplies after the fire, HOP is still planned to begin in October. However, safety is top priority and the situation is being monitored closely. 

By moving forward with HOP, we will be strengthening the Horsetooth Reservoir water delivery infrastructure for the future. Our water resources staff recognizes the Cameron Peak fire could affect water quality in the Poudre River for many future runoff seasons – which makes it even more important to complete the HOP maintenance now.

If needed, Utilities will use a backup pump system to divert Horsetooth Reservoir water from a different outlet structure to our water treatment facility. The pump system, plus our normal reserves of treated water stored in covered reservoirs, provide security in case the Cameron Peak Fire results in impacts or other issues that could affect water quantity, quality or delivery.

During inspections in November 2017 and February 2018, Northern Water and Bureau of Reclamation found rust on gates and some damage to rubber seals. HOP was scheduled for 2020 to allow the impacted water facilities time to develop water supply backup plans.

By moving forward with HOP this fall (if conditions continue to be safe to do so), we will be strengthening the Horsetooth Reservoir water delivery infrastructure for the future. The current Cameron Peak Fire could affect water quality in the Poudre River for many future runoff seasons – which makes it even more important to complete the HOP maintenance now.

Soldier Canyon Dam is one of several dams on Horsetooth Reservoir. 

Crews will remove rust, recoat valves, and replace rubber seals. They will also clean and recoat multiple trash racks, which screen out debris. Much of the work will be conducted below the water surface by divers and with the aid of a temporary coffer dam, which is a watertight enclosure pumped dry to permit construction work under water.

An outlet is a device (pipe and related infrastructure) that controls the water released from a reservoir. The Soldier Canyon Dam outlet includes a concrete conduit through the base of the dam, controlled by two 72-inch valves, rubber seals and gates to control the flow of water, and trash racks to block debris from entering the pipe. 

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation defines an outlet as a combination of structures and equipment required for the safe operation and control of water released from a reservoir to serve various purposes, including to regulate stream flow and quality; release floodwater; and provide irrigation, municipal, and/or industrial water. Included in the outlet are the intake structure, conduit, control house-gates, regulating gate or valve, gate chamber and stilling basin. http://www.usbr.gov/library/glossary/

Construction of the Soldier Canyon Dam was completed in 1949. 

There is nothing wrong with the structure of the dam itself. HOP repairs will focus only the outlet and its components. According to the Colorado Division of Water Resources, the Bureau of Reclamation last inspected the Soldier Canyon Dam in June 2019 and determined that overall conditions are “Conditionally Satisfactory”.  

Raw water is water that has not been treated to remove bacteria, parasites, minerals or particles. Raw water is non-potable, which means it should not be used for drinking. In Fort Collins, raw water may be used for non-potable uses, such as irrigation or fire protection.

Fort Collins Utilities diverts about 3,000 to 4,000 acre-feet of raw water to irrigate City parks, golf courses, cemeteries, The Gardens on Spring Creek and some greenbelt areas. Other raw water irrigators include Colorado State University, and some schools and homeowner associations not regulated by Utilities.

Water Restrictions and Our Community#

Yes, mandatory outdoor water restrictions begin Oct. 1 to help manage the water available to our community due to the drought conditions, Cameron Peak Fire and HOP infrastructure maintenance. The restrictions are anticipated to be at the end of November.

Learn more about water use restrictions and exception permits and raw/well water registration.

Fort Collins Utilities is fortunate to receive water from two sources: Horsetooth Reservoir and the Cache la Poudre River. However, during HOP, Utilities won't have easy access to our Horsetooth water supply and will need to maximize our Poudre supply. This is even more important now with the Cameron Peak Fire.

To meet the water needs of our community, we need all residential and commercial customers to reduce their water use from summer levels to winter (indoor) levels early this year. Mandatory restrictions on lawn watering and other outdoor water uses begin Oct. 1 and continue throughout HOP. 

There are many ways to save water; however, we can save the most water by stopping lawn watering and other outdoor use beginning Oct. 1. By letting your lawn go dormant a little early this year, you will help lower community water demands to typical winter (indoor) levels and save water for essential use.

Here are other ways to help:

Remember, small actions can make a big difference – and we appreciate your efforts to save.

Beginning Oct. 1, the City of Fort Collins will also require all City departments to stop non-essential outdoor water uses to better maximize water availability for the most important uses.

Water uses typically not allowed during restrictions: 

  • Lawn/turf irrigation with treated water
  • City vehicle washing
  • Power/pressure washing
  • Dust suppression with control measures that use water (see the Dust Prevention and Control Manual)
  • Filling outdoor swimming pools
  • Splash parks and water features

Exceptions include:

  • Lawn/turf irrigation for active/athletic fields and new sod/seeding (look for signs indicating why the area is being watered)
  • Irrigation with well or raw (untreated) water (look for signs indicating why the area is being watered)
    Hand and drip irrigation, when needed
  • Essential City vehicle washing, power/pressure washing and hydrant flushing – only those activities necessary to ensure health and safety
  • Dust suppression with measures that use water, only when no alternative non-water measures exist
  • Street sweeping limited to once a month for arterial and collector streets and all other or additional sweeping to only health, safety and environmental cleanup reasons

Utilities works hard to keep your water safe and flowing. “Extra” treated water is always stored in covered reservoirs. As an added precaution, a temporary backup system will be available to draw water from a different outlet structure at Horsetooth Reservoir, if needed.

We remain committed to providing water of superior quality and do not anticipate any water quality changes due to HOP. However, if you notice a change to the taste, smell or appearance of your water, you can call 970-221-6700 (24 hours, 7 days a week) to report your concerns.

Our treated drinking water consistently surpasses state and federal standards for purity. That’s why Fort Collins Utilities won the “Best of the Rocky Mountain Section” water at the 2019 annual conference of the Rocky Mountain Section of the American Water Works (RMSAWWA) in Keystone, Colorado.

Learn more: Fort Collins Utilities monitors source water quality at multiple locations before it enters the treatment plant and after treatment before it enters our homes and businesses. 

Active and athletic fields will be irrigated to protect the health and safety of people using the fields. Many athletic and active fields at City parks and local schools are irrigated with raw (untreated) water.

Raw water is not impacted by HOP. The City will work with managers of active/athletic fields irrigated with treated water to discuss recommended fall water application rates and issue water restriction exception permits if watering after Oct. 1 is necessary for health and safety.

There are many ways to save water! These actions help ensure we are using our water supplies as efficiently as possible during HOP and also can lower your water bill.

The best way to save water is to stop outdoor water use on Oct. 1. 

Here are other ways to help:

  • Be mindful of landscape planting this summer and fall, so you won't have to water new plantings during HOP.
  • Prepare to shut off your irrigation system by Oct. 1 by blowing out and winterizing your system early this year.
  • Water trees and shrubs deeply prior to Oct. 1 (and again following HOP, if needed).
  • Avoid pressure washing and spraying outdoor surfaces with hoses – use dry methods like sweeping and leaf blowers instead.
  • Limit or avoid car washing.
  • Fix leaky faucets and running toilets.
  • Install high-efficiency water fixtures, including showerheads and toilets (check out our rebates).
  • Wash only full loads (dishes and laundry).
  • Take shorter showers (less than 5 minutes is best).
  • Track your water use.

We typically have cooler temperatures, more precipitation and first frosts in October, and the majority of residents stop watering and blow out their irrigation systems by the middle of October. With cooler temperatures and shorter days, lawns begin to go dormant in mid-October and should remain green for several weeks in the fall without additional irrigation.

Check out our daily Lawn Watering Guide (available from May to October) designed to help you determine the right amount of water for your lawn and for how many minutes you should water. 

Want to learn more? Here are other options: water-wise lawn care and efficient irrigation equipment rebates.

Water trees and shrubs deeply prior to Oct. 1 (and again following HOP, if needed). If you have new landscape, you can hand water or use drip irrigation or deep root fork during HOP.

Check out these fall and winter tree water schedules. Typically, it's recommended to water all trees 1-2 times per month but only when temperatures are above 40 degrees and there is no snow coverage on the ground. The amount of water needed depends on the tree's diameter.

Planning ahead will make a big difference. If possible, schedule new landscape and grass plantings so they receive 4-6 weeks of regular water before Oct. 1 and won’t need to be watered during HOP.

Water trees and shrubs deeply prior to Oct. 1 (and again following HOP, if needed). You can water new landscape plantings during HOP using drip irrigation, deep root fork or hand watering.

Some new landscapes, such as turf sod or seed, may need a permit for watering during HOP. Contact us as early as possible to discuss your fall landscape needs at HOP@fcgov.com or 970-416-8040.  

To learn how much water your sprinklers apply to the lawn, sign up for a free sprinkler system audit. Bluegrass lawns generally require 1-1.5 inches of water per week, depending on the weather. Most shrubs and trees require less water than bluegrass, so water them separately. Check out our daily Lawn Watering Guide to learn more. 

If needed, you can water gardens during HOP using drip irrigation or hand watering. Don’t forget to blow out your irrigation system before the first hard frosts.

If you can let the dust gather on your vehicles until HOP is completed, that will help ensure our water resources are being used as wisely as possible. 

Water System Overview#

Fort Collins' drinking water comes from the Cache la Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir and is treated at the Water Treatment Facility. It is distributed to homes and businesses through 525 miles of water mains. 

Learn more about our water system.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation owns Horsetooth Reservoir and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District maintains and operates dams, outlets and other infrastructure on the reservoir.

Horsetooth Reservoir can hold up to 156,735 acre-feet of water. That’s 51,072,250,000 gallons - equivalent to more than 77,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools! When full, the reservoir covers over 1,900 surface acres and 25 miles of shoreline and has a maximum depth of 180 feet. 

The reservoir provides water to:

  • the cities of Fort Collins and Greeley
  • many smaller domestic suppliers
  • farms and ranches in the Poudre River basin

You can track your water use. It’s free and takes only a minute.

On average, a Fort Collins household uses about 425 gallons during a summer day and only 125 gallons in a winter day. Most of the water use in summer goes to watering lawns, planter beds and gardens.

Recreation#

The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources manages recreational opportunities at Carter Lake, Horsetooth Reservoir, Flatiron Reservoir and Pinewood Reservoir.

Limited impacts to recreational activities can be expected at Horsetooth Reservoir due to HOP. Recreation, including fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and the use of hand-launched watercraft, such as stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, will continue as normal.

Current operational plans show all boat ramps will be available through the end of September. Operational hours for boat ramps at Horsetooth Reservoir are updated regularly via the Larimer County Natural Resources webpage at larimer.org/boating. Hours are subject to change based on water levels and seasonal weather conditions.

Some of the work at Soldier Canyon Dam will require work in Horsetooth Reservoir itself. Because of that, water levels will need to be lowered to where workers will be able to accomplish their tasks safely.

Through the rest of the summer, water will be released to municipal, industrial and agricultural users as normal, but flows into the reservoir will be halted. Staff predicts normal releases of reservoir water will meet the needs of users while also bringing the reservoir to a safe level for the maintenance work, which is planned to start in October. Following the completion of the work, inflows will resume to the reservoir with the anticipation of normal operations in 2021.

Beginning in early October, a portion of Gateway Natural Area will be closed temporarily.


Did You Know?

Bluegrass lawns generally require 1" or more of water per week, depending on the weather.

When it rains and as snow melts, runoff carries pollutants such as oil, antifreeze and gas down storm drains, contaminating our rivers, streams and lakes. Don't drip and drive.

Insulating and air sealing the walls and roof keeps heat and/or cool air inside your home.