Wellington commits to diversifying water supply and joins regional water alliance

The Wellington Town Board unanimously adopted two water resolutions on Nov. 12 aimed at securing long-term supplies and coordinating regionally. Deputy Director of Public Works Megan Smith presented Resolution 48-2025 to formalize the town’s commitment to diversify its water portfolio following a 2025 water source development plan; Smith noted Wellington’s historical reliance on a long-term supply agreement with North Poudre Irrigation Company since 1983 and described sharp price increases (from about $765 per acre-foot in 2015 to nearly $3,800 per acre-foot in 2023).

Smith said adoption of Resolution 48-2025 does not immediately obligate funds but directs staff to explore alternative supplies, budgeting for diversification, and to evaluate participation in confined-aquifer projects such as the Vita project being developed by Front Range H2O. Staff emphasized appropriate due diligence for purchasing and treating nontributary groundwater would be required before any acquisitions.

The board also adopted Resolution 49-2025, affirming Wellington’s support for the Northern Colorado Water Alliance and its guiding principles — transparency, regional collaboration, protection of beneficial local use and mitigation when water is transferred out of the region. Smith said Wellington has been an active alliance member since 2022 and that many neighboring jurisdictions have already passed similar resolutions; trustees asked about future steps and whether the principles can gain enforcement mechanisms over time.

Both resolutions passed by unanimous roll calls; staff said any future fiscal implications would be brought to the board for approval.