Conserving Water During the Horsetooth Outlet Project

Help support the Horsetooth Outlet Project by shutting off outdoor water beginning October 2, 2020.

The Horsetooth Outlet Project (HOP) is a collaborative effort between the Fort Collins – Loveland Water District and other local entities to maintain and improve local infrastructure. Beginning in October, the Soldier Canyon Dam outlet, located on the east side of Horsetooth Reservoir, will undergo repairs and upgrades that will help preserve our community’s future water supply. Currently, this outlet supplies water to over 200,000 residents, businesses and communities.

What HOP Means to You

Water from Horsetooth Reservoir will be on hold during this project (which is expected to conclude in December). This means that, although there is a diverse water supply in our area, less water will be available during HOP. So, the Water District is asking that everyone do their part to conserve water during this time. Mindful conservation will help make sure everyone continues to have the water they need.

Here’s What You Can Do

1. Turn off your outdoor water sometime before October 1. This will help reduce water use and avoid peak summer water demands. You can do this part on your own, and then call us to winterize during the month of October as usual.
2. Water deeply and more frequently in the weeks leading up to your shutoff date. Deeply watering trees and shrubs will help give them the water they need to transition to a dormant state for winter.
3. Complete your fall planting early. This will ensure your new plants are well-established and will not need to be watered during HOP.

It’s important that we follow these guidelines and do what we can to conserve water during HOP for the benefit of our community. If you have any questions about best practices for early planting or conserving water, please give us a call!