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County manager: Windy Gap pumping resumed; storage and cost arrangements discussed
Summary
The county manager reported one Windy Gap pump began operating and summarized how the county may opt into pumping and fund storage in Lake Granby, referencing the Colorado River Cooperative Agreement and Denver Water funding earmarked for pumping.
County Manager Ed Moyer updated commissioners April 15 that the Windy Gap project had begun pumping with a single pump and that the new connectivity channel will change flow through the Colorado River.
Moyer said the immediate effect is increased flow through the Colorado River while Northern Water’s municipal-subdistrict pumping moves water to Lake Granby. He said the county can opt into storing water later in the season if there is physical room in Lake Granby and that pumping costs to stack county water would be the county’s responsibility unless the county chooses to participate.
Moyer said Denver Water will establish an account to cover initial pumping costs with a $500,000 contribution and a later supplemental $500,000, earmarked for pumping and storage in Lake Granby under the Colorado River Cooperative Agreement (CRCA). Commissioners discussed spill risk and emphasized that pumping decisions will depend on reservoir elevation and storage capacity.
Ending: County staff said they will monitor reservoir conditions and follow the municipal-subdistrict schedule for requests to opt into pumping and storage; commissioners emphasized the county should not commit to pumping that would cause avoidable spill or cost exposure.
