Water Efficiency Plan

An illustration of rain hitting a red lower and infiltrating the soil

The Water Efficiency Plan (WEP) outlines our approach to manage water use and efficiency amid growing supply and demand pressures. By improving how water is used across residential, commercial and municipal sectors, the WEP helps support long-term water resilience for our system and customers.

The 2025 WEP sets two goals intended to lower water use, minimize the frequency and magnitude of future water shortages, build long-term landscape resilience and encourage the City to continue leading by example. These goals reflect community feedback, staff input and a commitment to act now to prepare for a hotter and more variable climate. You can dive deeper into the goals below. The 2025 WEP is an update to the 2015 WEP approved by the Colorado Water Conservation Board in 2015. 

Overall Goals

Reach 4% Annual Reduction in Water Use by 2040

This goal applies to all customer sectors, including homes, businesses, and City of Fort Collins operations, and aims to reduce the risk of water shortages. It incorporates these targets:

  • By 2040, lower overall annual treated water use by 320 million gallons (MG), or 980 acre-feet (AF), below projected water use
  • Double the volume of savings from efficiency strategies by 2040, relative to 2020-2024 average performance
  • Lower treated water use at City properties by a total cumulative volume of 5 MG (15 AF) by 2040

Improve Efficiency and Resilience on Public Landscapes

The City will complete at least seven new projects on City landscapes by 2040.These projects aim to improve drought resilience, reduce raw or treated water use, and reinforce the City’s role as a leader in water efficiency.


What's Next?

We will work toward meeting these goals by implementing and maintaining over 70 existing or new water efficiency strategies. We will track progress toward the goals and share it publicly each year through an annual water conservation report.