What’s Up with Wellington Water?

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It is the time of the year when summer temperatures and our summer water bills reach their peak. Wellington water and water rates have been a heightened topic of discussion in recent years, and we hear a lot of misinformation circling in Northern Colorado. Here are some facts that you may or may not be aware of.

Wellington’s Source of Water

Beginning as snowpack in the Rocky Mountains, Wellington’s water flows down the Poudre River, is diverted, and ultimately stored in North Poudre Reservoir #3 northwest of Wellington where it is then treated and distributed. According to the 2025 Wellington Water Quality Report, in addition to storage in Reservoir #3, roughly a quarter of the drinking water and irrigation water for parks and schools are supplied by groundwater wells.

Wellington’s New Water Treatment Plant

Wellington completed the expansion of the Water Treatment Plant in 2024 doubling its ability to treat and process water. The new plant features advanced treatment technologies including granular activated carbon filters and ozone treatments. While Wellington has suffered from the summer algae blooms in Reservoir #3 affecting the taste and clarity of the drinking water, this new system is designed to improve taste, odor, and overall clarity. Along with the new treatment plant, the Town of Wellington completed the expansion of the Wastewater Reclamation Facility in October of 2024 also doubling its ability to process wastewater.

50% of Wellington Residents Use Non-Potable Irrigation Water for Lawn & Gardens

The foundations of Wellington rest on fertile farmland above vast irrigation wells. Developers with tremendous insight have invested in delivery systems for this non-potable irrigation water so that each residence can use this adjudicated water for lawn and gardens. The fees associated with this are included in the monthly HOA dues. This means that 50% of Wellington residents are not paying for treated water for their lawn and gardens. (Source: 2025 Wellington Water Quality Report)

Water for the Future

While it is true that Northern Colorado Water Association, the small association providing domestic water to rural areas surrounding Wellington, is in a tap-moratorium and not issuing any new water taps, the Town of Wellington has room to grow. According to Cody Bird, Town of Wellington Planning Director, Wellington has enough water secured to double the size of Wellington. Bird states, “With the future of our water infrastructure secure, Wellington is open for business. With a few exciting projects in the works and new developments breaking ground, the future is bright in Wellington.” When asked for comment on the current status of water and water rates, the Town of Wellington provided the following statement.

“Like many communities across Colorado, Wellington faces challenges related to water sourcing and cost. However, these issues are not limiting development. The Town is actively renegotiating key water supply contracts and recently completed a Water Source Development Plan to identify affordable options for diversifying its supply. In addition, Wellington is exploring opportunities to partner with regional entities on shared infrastructure solutions to enhance water delivery. These efforts reflect the Town’s commitment to supporting responsible growth while ensuring a secure and sustainable water future.”

Wellington Offers Water Conservation Programs

For the 50% of Wellington residents who are not on non-potable water, the Town of Wellington offers free irrigation audits which help reduce overall water usage, identify leaks and optimize efficiency. In addition, the Town hosts online waterwise yard seminars. Upcoming seminars as well as recorded past sessions can be found at https://resourcecentral.org/seminars/. Residents can obtain free water-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators on a first come first serve basis. For more information visit: https://www.townofwellington.com/211/Water-Efficiency-Program.

Residents Install Xeriscaping

Many Wellington residents, including us here at the office, have converted our yards to xeriscaping. It is important to note that your HOA cannot prohibit the use of xeriscaping. Colorado Senate Bill 23-178 states that a common interest community can enforce design or aesthetic guidelines or rules, but they cannot prohibit the use of xeriscape or nonvegetative turf grass. The Town of Wellington facilitates the “Garden in a Box” program providing discounted perennial garden kits with low use vegetation ideal for our Colorado climate. For more information visit https://resourcecentral.org/gardens/.

Water Rates Around Northern Colorado

Doing our best to determine water rates from online information, here is how Northern Colorado communities’ water bills add up for a 3/4” residential water tap. All of the municipalities charge a base fee, but the usage rates vary and some use a tiered system so the more water you use, the more expensive it gets. These rates only include the base rate plus the usage fees at either 10,000 gallons per month or 15,000 gallons per month, which reflect common summer usage amounts when watering a lawn.

Wellington Offers the Equal Payment Program for Water Bills

As of June 2025, Wellington initiated the Equal Payment Program for Water Volume Usage Charges (EPP) to help distribute the cost of summer water bills equally throughout the year. The program is offered to owner occupied residents with a minimum of 12 billing cycles on their account. For more information visit: https://www.townofwellington.com/638/Equal-Payment-Program-for-Water-Volume-U.