Larimer County, guided by a commitment to stewardship, is dedicated to safeguarding local and regional water systems, aligning future land use with available water resources, and helping to build resilient communities and ecosystems equipped to address future water challenges.
We are excited to present the Water Master Plan
This Water Master Plan marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to ensuring a sustainable and resilient water future for Larimer County. Adopted by the Planning Commission on November 20, 2024, and approved by the Board of County Commissioners on December 9, 2024, the plan is the culmination of over a year of collaboration, analysis, and invaluable feedback from our community and stakeholders. It embodies strategies and goals designed to address the county's water challenges, support local ecosystems, and secure vital water resources for generations to come, reflecting the diverse needs and priorities of Larimer County.
Please use the hyperlinks below to access and read the full plan. Key highlights have also been highlighted on this webpage for your convenience.
Key Highlights
Why is Larimer County Creating a Water Master Plan?
Historically, Larimer County has experienced substantial population growth, with projections indicating a 56% increase from 2017 to 2040. This growth, combined with the effects of climate change, including more frequent droughts and severe weather events, has intensified the need for a robust water management strategy. In aligning with the County's Comprehensive Plan, Larimer County intends to address these pressures by enhancing long-term water planning in unincorporated areas, supporting agriculture through efforts to address water sustainability given the unique challenges, and promoting conservation and resilience across both natural and developed landscapes.
| Metric | Description | Implication | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population Growth | 56% | Population growth from 2017 to 2040 | Projections indicate that the population size in Larimer County will increase by 56%, with the population estimated to reach 535,756 by 2040. As population growth increases, water use is likely to increase as well. |
96% | Percentage of population growth contributed to municipalities, compared to unincorporated areas, through 2040 | ||
Water Supplies | 43% | Percentage of water sourced from the Colorado River | A lot of Larimer County’s water supply comes from the Western Slope, specifically from the Colorado River. Natural hazards such as fire and drought can impact the ability to move water and can lower water supply across the county. |
Agricultural Land | 47% | Percentage decrease in irrigated agricultural lands | As population grows in urban areas of Larimer County, agricultural lands have decreased by 47% in the past 30 years. |
Water Providers | 124 | Number of water providers | As water demand increases in Larimer County, the services of water providers and the number of water wells have increased. |
What are the challenges Larimer County is facing?
Through discussion with stakeholders and the public, six key challenges were identified to focus the plan around. By collecting and analyzing data related to these challenges, the County can better understand the underlying issues, prioritize resources, and target efforts to address the most pressing water-related concerns effectively.
To understand each of these challenges on a deeper level, the county collected and analyzed different types of data, including public information, data from partners, and internal records. For instance, for watershed health, the county examined data related to factors like high severity wildfires, water quality, and local habitats and how they affect the health of our watersheds and the cleanliness of our water supply (see image below for a detailed example and explanation of the role these factors play).
Decreasing the destructive potential of uncontrolled high severity wildfires, maintaining good water quality, and protecting local habitats all contribute to the overall health of our watersheds and promote a cleaner, more reliable water supply.
What is Larimer County going to do about it?
As we navigate the challenges and opportunities outlined in the Larimer County Water Master Plan, it becomes essential to move from understanding the context to implementing actionable solutions. The strategies presented in the table below were carefully crafted through collaboration with stakeholders, aligning with the Plan’s vision, goals, and focus areas. These strategies aim to address key priorities, such as watershed health, water efficiency, and sustainable planning, ensuring a resilient future for Larimer County’s water resources.
