Water Availability and Demand#
Fort Collins Utilities regularly evaluates several factors to determine the status and condition of our raw water supply and resources to ensure ample water for our customers.
Water Supply Status
- The Water Resources Division is closely monitoring the hydrology of the Colorado River basin, the statewide and regional discussions around the Colorado River Compact, and any demand management action by the Federal Bureau of Reclamation in response to drought in the Colorado River basin.
- Water Resources Division maintains close communication with Northern Water regarding any drought response or policy action affecting the CBT system. As of now, there is no indication of drought management action needed from Northern Water.
- If we need to implement water restrictions, we have the Water Shortage Action Plan (WSAP) to guide our decisions and actions.
2023 Quarterly Snapshot#

Water Demand
Annual Utilities water service area water demand projected year-to-date: 88%

Colorado-Big Thompson Water Quota
In April 2023, Northern Water set the Colorado-Big Thompson (CBT) Project quota at 70%. Northern Water manages the CBT Project and sets the quota for water allottees each year. The quota determines how much water is available per share or unit. Seventy percent is an adequate CBT allocation to meet our water demands this year.

River Streamflows
Graphical data for the Poudre River is available online:

Climate Outlook
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) climate outlooks for the northern Front Range and northern mountains is available at the button below.
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Water Commission memo with detailed information and charts for January 2022»
Water Commission memo with detailed information and charts for February 2022»
Water Commission memo with detailed information and charts for March 2022»
Water Commission memo with detailed information and charts for April 2022»
Water Commission memo with detailed information and charts for May 2022»
Water Commission memo with detailed information and charts for June 2022 »
Water Commission memo with detailed information and charts July 2022»
Water Commission memo with detailed information and charts for August 2022»
Water Commission memo with detailed information and charts for September 2022 »
Water Commission memo with detailed information and charts for October 2022 »
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January 2021 Water Board Memo with detailed information and charts »
February 2021 Water Board Memo with detailed information and charts »
March 2021 Water Board Memo with detailed information and charts »
April 2021 Water Board Memo with detailed information and charts »
May 2021 Water Board Memo with detailed information and charts »
June 2021 Water Board Memo with detailed information and charts »
July 2021 Water Board Memo with detailed information and charts »
August 2021 Water Board Memo with detailed information and charts »
September 2021 Water Board Memo with detailed information and charts »
October 2021 Water Board Memo with detailed information and charts »
November 2021 Water Board Memo with detailed information and charts »
December 2021 Water Board Memo with detailed information and charts »
Did You Know?
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Using an ENERGY STAR® programmable thermostat or wifi thermostat can help you better control your home's comfort and utility costs.