At Fort Collins-Loveland Water District, we’re always looking ahead. As our region continues to grow, so does the need to secure long-term, reliable and cost-effective water supplies. That’s why we’re proud to announce a forward-thinking partnership with FrontRange H2O on a new, innovative groundwater-based project called the Vita H2O Project.
This new partnership is part of our commitment to providing clean, reliable water while responsibly planning for the future without burdening current customers with unnecessary rate increases. We have a dedicated page on our website where you can learn all about the project, including an extensive FAQ section. Additionally, in this blog, we’ll explain more about the project, why we’re participating and why the project matters.
TL;DR Summary
- The Vita H2O project uses aquifer storage and recovery technology (ASR) to store water underground when water is plentiful to be used later when needed, like in a drought.
- FCLWD is participating in the project because it is the most cost-effective and timely option for diversifying our water portfolio so that our water supply remains resilient.
- The partnership is important because it sets a new standard for responsible water development in northern Colorado.
What Is the Vita H2O Project?
The Vita H2O project is an on-demand groundwater supply and Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) system, which involves storing treated water underground in a natural aquifer in years when water is plentiful. Then, water is recovered later when needed, especially during dry years or peak demand. Unlike surface reservoirs, underground aquifers don’t lose water to evaporation, making this a smarter, more sustainable long-term option. It isn’t meant to replace surface water storage, but rather, to complement it.
ASR technology is a safe water storage solution with minimal environmental impact. Water will be treated before being put in the aquifer to protect the native groundwater environment. Water taken out of the aquifer will be treated and tested again by Vita H2O before being delivered to us so that it still meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water standards. The project is in its early phases and is expected to provide water to FCLWD and their other partners by 2029, years ahead of water supply alternatives.
Why FCLWD Is Participating?
After evaluating multiple supply options, FrontRange H2O and its Vita H2O Project emerged as the most financially sound and immediately beneficial opportunity for our District. It fits within our existing raw water cost structure, which means:
- The initial portion of the project will be funded through our 2025 raw water budget.
- The remainder of the project, due in future years, will be funded through bonds, which may have an impact on future developer tap fees, in alignment with our “growth pays its own way” philosophy. However, the cost per acre-foot of this water fits within our current cash-in-lieu price of $120,000 per acre-foot and is at a comparable cost to our other surface water supply acquisitions.
- No anticipated increases to monthly customer rates due to this project.
In short, this is a wise investment for our future that won’t impact your wallet today.
Another reason we are participating is to ensure we have reliable water in years of drought. Currently, the majority of our water comes from the Colorado-Big Thompson Project (C-BT). FCLWD District Manager Chris Pletcher explained,
“The Fort Collins-Loveland Water District requires a comprehensive portfolio of multiple water resources to meet current and future demands, including critical drought scenarios. By participating in the Vita H2O Project with FrontRange H2O, we’re ensuring that our customers will have access to a reliable water supply when needed, even in times of drought.”
Over the project’s lifetime, FCLWD will be able to withdraw from and recharge the Vita H2O aquifer unlimited times, maximizing its long-term value and reinforcing the District’s commitment to sustainable resource management and environmental stewardship. This design also facilitates future planning, as the water can be reused multiple times. Designed to serve the region for over 100 years, the project is a model of innovation, collaboration and future-focused planning.
Why This Project Matters
For our customers, this partnership means faster access to a secure water supply and greater drought protection in the future. It’s also a chance for us to diversify where our water comes from, strengthening our ability to serve more than 67,000 customers reliably in the years ahead.
While other projects may require decades of planning and possible rate increases to fund, Vita H2O is on track to deliver water by 2029.
Brent Waller, president of FrontRange H2O, shared more about the importance of this partnership in a recent press release.
“We’re proud to partner with Fort Collins-Loveland Water District on a project that represents a key component of sustainable water in northern Colorado. By combining non-tributary resources, long-term reuse, aquifer storage and the conjunctive use of surface and groundwater supplies, this initiative sets a new standard for responsible water development.”
The Big Picture
As the first official partner in this initiative, FCLWD is taking a proactive step toward securing a more resilient water future. We’ll continue to keep our community informed as the project progresses, and we’re proud to lead the way in bringing innovative, cost-effective solutions home to Northern Colorado. We have a dedicated webpage for the FrontRange H2O partnership where you can stay up to date on the Vita H2O project, including finding answers to common FAQs. And, as always, you can contact our team at (970) 226-3104 or fill out the contact form on our website.
