Boulder County expresses concerns over water extraction by metro areas

In the heart of Boulder City Hall, a palpable tension filled the air as members of the Water Resources Advisory Board gathered to address a pressing issue: the extraction of water from their service area by neighboring metro regions. The meeting, held on April 21, 2025, highlighted a long-standing concern that dates back to the mid-1980s, when Thornton began acquiring significant water supplies from local sources.

Board members expressed their worries that this trend is resurfacing, not just from Thornton but from other metropolitan areas eyeing Boulder County's water resources. “We have done a phenomenal job of building a water supply that is good now and should be good in the future,” one member stated, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their water supply against external pressures. The concern is that as water is siphoned off to support growing urban populations, it diminishes the value of Boulder’s conservation efforts and future projects.

The discussion turned to the potential threats facing Boulder County, particularly from systems in the northern front range and eastern Colorado that could be targeted for their water. The board acknowledged that these extractions could lead to significant challenges, especially for agricultural lands in the region. “You’re going to hear that going forward until we’re told otherwise,” a board member warned, indicating that this issue is likely to escalate.

As the meeting progressed, the conversation shifted to the long-term financial strategy for managing water resources. The board recognized the need for a proactive approach to mitigate the impacts of water extraction and ensure sustainable management of their vital resources.

With the backdrop of a growing metropolitan area and the looming threat of water shortages, the Boulder Water Resources Advisory Board is poised to navigate a complex landscape. Their commitment to protecting local water supplies reflects a broader struggle faced by many communities in balancing urban growth with environmental stewardship. As they look to the future, the board's discussions will undoubtedly shape the region's water policies and conservation efforts in the years to come.