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Colorado-Big Thompson Project Water available for lease for first time through new program

Northern Water

A different water supply is now available for lease by Northern Colorado farmers, municipal providers and other water users, with bids due March 19.

The Northern Water Board of Directors recently made the first allocation of water from Northern Water’s Regional Pool Program. The Board agreed to make 10,000 acre feet available for lease, an amount they based on the upcoming runoff season and the status of Colorado-Big Thompson Project reserves.

RPP water is C-BT water that wasn’t used the year before. RPP leases will be awarded based on highest bids per acre foot. Sealed bids are due by 2 p.m. March 19, at Northern Water’s headquarters, 220 Water Ave., Berthoud, Colo., 80513. Bid prices per acre foot must be greater than or equal to $9.32, a floor price the Board selected based on the 2010 agricultural assessment.



Immediately after the deadline, Northern Water staff will hold a public meeting to open the bids. General results for each bid, including per-acre-foot price and number of acre feet requested, will be available at http://www.NorthernWater.org following the bid opening.

Bid forms and instructions are available by clicking on the Regional Pool Program button at http://www.NorthernWater.org. To stay informed, people can sign up for updates at regionalpool@ncwcd.org or contact Northern Water Senior Water Resources Engineer Karen Rademacher at krademacher@ncwcd.org or (970) 622-2206.



The Board adopted the RPP in 2005, but this is the first year with enough C-BT water in storage to implement the program.

“We’re ready to see how bidders respond to this alternative way to lease C-BT Project water, which will promote smart management of the region’s water resources,” said Brad Wind, Northern Water deputy manager.


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