Major new reservoir approved for Northern Water

BERTHOUD – The Bureau of Reclamation has issued a record of decision paving the way for construction of a new reservoir west of Carter Lake in what is known as the Windy Gap Firming Project, marking a milestone in the 12-year effort.

The project, proposed by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, involves building Chimney Hollow Reservoir, which would store as much as 90,000 acre feet of water. An acre foot equals 326,000 gallons, enough to serve 2.5 households annually.

The $223 million project will deliver 26,000 acre feet of water annually to cities and towns in Northern Colorado.

Originally built in 1985,…