Once in service, the Terry Ranch Project will allow Greeley to access up to 1.2 million acre-feet of water from 200- to 1,200-feet-deep underground aquifers in northwest Weld County. That’s over 7.5 times more water than is stored in Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins. For comparison, Greeley currently uses about 25,000 acre-feet of water annually.
The water from Terry Ranch helps protect Greeley from severe droughts in the future when surface water is scarce. Unlike Greeley’s above-ground reservoirs, the underground aquifer water is protected from evaporation, drought, and forest fires. Many other water providers in Colorado use groundwater for drinking water supplies. Greeley currently has ample water supplies, but Terry Ranch water ensures the city has additional water if needed.
Greeley can store unused, treated water in the aquifer during wet years when supplies are abundant. The city can then use the water later during dry years when supplies are low. “Injecting” water for underground storage is a common practice, and it will be done with permits and oversight by state regulators. Only treated water can be stored underground, so the city will use advanced treatment and water quality testing to ensure the water meets stringent water quality requirements.
Terry Ranch’s Water Quality
Cory, what is the plan with this graphic? I don’t see it on the document of recommended graphics.