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FLOW Committee keeps Drought Watch; staff to carry over 2,739.6 acre-feet of C-BT as drought insurance
Summary
Staff reported a likely 80% Northern Water quota for 2026, keeping Broomfield at Drought Watch, and said the city will carry over the maximum allowed 20% of C-BT units (2,739.6 acre-feet) from 2026 into 2027 to secure supply in the event of continued dry conditions.
Ken Rutt, Director of Water Utilities, and Mark Lorie briefed the FLOW Committee on the drought forecast and supply planning. They said Northern Water is likely to set an 80% quota for the year (an increase from 75% the previous year) and that staff recommends remaining at Drought Watch.
As part of supply risk management, staff stated the city will carry over the maximum allowed Colorado-Big Thompson (C-BT) carryover — 20% of the city’s owned units — which equals 2,739.6 acre-feet, into 2027 as a form of drought insurance should the region experience a second dry year.
During committee comments members also discussed conservation measures such as lining primary ditches to reduce loss and the concept of 'water banking' (alternative transfer mechanisms or rotational fallowing) to temporarily lease water from willing agricultural sellers during dry years. Staff noted the water-banking approach is voluntary and market-based.
No emergency restrictions were adopted at the meeting; staff and committee will continue monitoring supply conditions and discuss operational responses as needed.
