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Erie lays out water strategy as growth pressures rise; Windy Gap, NISP and local projects central
Summary
Town staff told council that Erie currently uses about 6,100 acre‑feet of potable water and relies heavily on CBT holdings; key future supplies include Windy Gap Firming (Chimney Hollow), local Boulder Creek and Philly Lake projects, and Erie’s participation in NISP (6,500 AF). Staff warned of tradeoffs, litigation risk and multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar capital needs including a proposed North Water Treatment Facility.
Erie officials gave council a detailed briefing on the town’s water‑supply portfolio and capital program, saying the town must build new supplies and treatment capacity to serve projected growth.
Todd Fessenden, the town’s utilities director, introduced water attorneys who explained the legal framework. "Colorado’s prior‑appropriation system — first in time, first in right — means senior water users can curtail junior users," Andrea Carroll said, underlining why Erie must diversify its portfolio.
Staff said Erie’s 2024 potable production was about 6,100 acre‑feet for roughly 40,000 people and that the town owns 7,382 CBT units and leases 955 units (8,337 CBT units total). The town holds 20 Windy Gap units and subscribes to 6,500 acre‑feet in NISP (Northern Integrated…
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