Water district in Ft. Collins, Colo., invests in aquifer 800 ft underground
The Fort Collins Loveland Water District is investing in an aquifer near the Wyoming and Colorado border in an effort to secure drinking water for the region's projected growth, according to CBS News.
The aquifer, combined with the district's shares in surface water, could help guarantee many Northern Colorado residents have reliable access to drinking water for hundreds of years.
A CBS News report stated that a team including Chris Pletcher, general manager of the district, is partnering with Front Range H20 Transfer, LLC, in order to tap the aquifer.
An aquifer is a naturally formed retainer underground with water naturally trapped inside. In order to access the water resource, the aquifer has to be tapped into via drill and piping methods.
The Fort Collins Loveland Water District plans to withdraw water from the natural aquifer as supplies are needed, like during times of drought.
The district has committed as part of the project to return equal amounts of water to the aquifer as it pulls out.
Chris Pletcher stated that the project effort will save water customers money in the long run, due to the aquifer water supply not requiring treatment. Pletcher estimated about $200 million in savings from not having to build a water treatment plant specific to this project.
The population of Northern Colorado is projected to double in the next 20 years, according to the CBS News report.
Without control over when the growth will take place, or how quickly, Pletcher said it was important for the district to further secure water access in anticipation of the growth.
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