Northern Water board sets 2026 quota to 80%

The board cited low snowpack and above-average reservoir levels in its decision.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:54pm

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A vibrant abstract illustration composed of overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of blue, representing the complex balance of water supply and demand in Northern Colorado.Northern Water's cautious approach to managing the Colorado-Big Thompson Project's water allocation aims to ensure long-term sustainability for the region.Berthoud Today

The Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District's board of directors has unanimously voted to set the annual allocation of Colorado-Big Thompson Project water to 80% for the 2026 season. This allocation, known as the quota, will be made available to owners of C-BT allotment contracts during the high demand period.

Why it matters

The C-BT Project is a critical water source for over 1.1 million residents in Northern Colorado, supplying water for food production, municipalities, industry, and other uses. The board's decision to set a conservative 80% quota aims to balance the region's water needs with long-term flexibility in case drought conditions persist.

The details

In setting the 2026 quota, the board acknowledged that the regional demand could have prompted a maximum quota delivery of 100%. However, they opted for a more conservative 80% approach to offer greater long-term flexibility if drought conditions continue. The board monitored snowpack, reservoir levels, and solicited feedback from water users before making the unanimous decision.

  • The board set the 80% quota during its meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • In November, the board had initially set the quota at 50% to start the water year.
  • The board reviewed the region's snowpack, reservoir levels, and user feedback in the months leading up to the April 9 decision.

The players

Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District

A public agency created in 1937 that provides water for food production, municipalities, industry, and other uses in Northeastern Colorado via the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, Pleasant Valley Pipeline, and Southern Water Supply Project.

Luke Shawcross

Water Resources Department manager at Northern Water.

Jennifer Gimbel

Board member representing Larimer County.

Emily Carbone

Water resources specialist at Northern Water.

Sarah Smith

Senior water resources engineer at Northern Water.

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What they’re saying

“The regional demand might be more than that.”

— Luke Shawcross, Water Resources Department manager

“We have run the C-BT Project very cautiously and conservatively.”

— Jennifer Gimbel, Board member

What’s next

The board will continue to monitor the region's water supply and demand throughout the 2026 season and may adjust the quota if necessary.

The takeaway

Northern Water's decision to set a conservative 80% quota for the C-BT Project in 2026 reflects its commitment to balancing the region's immediate water needs with long-term sustainability, especially in the face of persistent drought conditions.