Reservoir - Chimney Hollow will be site for Windy Gap Reservoir.

RESERVOIR

What is Windy Gap?

Ever wonder about where that water comes from when you turn on your kitchen faucet at home? Well, if you live in northern Colorado you can partially thank the Windy Gap Project for your next tall, ice cold drink. The Windy Gap Reservoir is located just slightly northwest of Granby, CO. The reservoir is fed by both the Fraser river and the Colorado river. The water from the Windy Gap Reservoir is then funneled to Lake Granby via the Windy Gap Pipeline. From Lake Granby, a series of other pipelines transfer water to your local water plant and thus, to your home.

Why Do I Need To Know This?

You should know about the Windy Gap Project because in spite of its successes it also has some challenges:

1) Windy Gap Reservoir doesn't have the capacity to fulfill our water needs during years that are dry because there are others, north and south of the reservoir, that possess first rights to the water (ie: Just like the kids call, "Shotgun" when you're getting into the car. These folks have first dibs on the water in the reservoir.)

2) During wet years in Colorado, Lake Granby fills up naturally, alleviating any space that would have been available for extra Windy Gap water.

In a nutshell, there isn't enough storage space for our water.

What's The Plan?

The Windy Gap Firming Project was assembled to look for solutions to the storage problem. The focus of the project is to assess and develop a plan or plans that will reinforce and support (or "firm") the existing Windy Gap Project. The creation of another reservoir seemed to be the ultimate solution. Thus the hunt began for an appropriate site. Of seven locations under consideration the Chimney Hollow site, which is located just west of Carter Lake, remains the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District's first and best choice.

How Might This Affect Me As A Homeowner?

As an Elk Run Estates homeowner, you will have easy access to this public reservoir. The land on which the reservoir will be is currently being purchased by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. The reservoir will be open to the public for recreational, non-motorized day use as soon as 2008. So, go ahead and rig up that fishing line or polish up the bottom of that old canoe. Your voyage awaits you! In addition, Larimer County is purchasing the adjoining lands to the south and the west of the reservoir for use as parks and open lands. An estimated 10 to 12 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails are envisioned, as well as a parking lot, restrooms, picnic sites a boat ramp and kiosks.

Call Toll Free: 1-800-340-2737