Colorado is in a statewide drought emergency. Snowpack was well below average this year, and irrigation water supplies are at historical low levels across northern Colorado. This shortage is affecting water providers region-wide and is not unique to the District. North Weld County Water District (the “District”) has noticed customers that the non-potable water supply that is used for the Saddler irrigation system will be depleted mid-August. To support residents, the District will transition the Saddler irrigation system to potable (treated) water once the non-potable raw water supply is exhausted.

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) considered rate adjustments at its July 13, 2026, regular meeting and established the price for Saddler’s non-potable irrigation service through the 2026 irrigation season to the potable water rate. Potable water is more costly to treat and deliver and therefore, the District will increase your irrigation rate from $1.50 per 1,000 gallons to $5.19 per 1,000 gallons during the period potable water is used. This rate reflects the increased costs of potable water treatment and delivery and is not higher than cost recovery. The potable irrigation service will be in effect through September 17, 2026. If conditions improve next year, the District will resume the use of available non-potable water supply at the lower raw water rate. The District is committed to returning to lower non-potable rates as soon as supply conditions allow.

We encourage all homeowners to conserve water whenever possible. Reducing outdoor watering during cooler parts of the day and eliminating unnecessary irrigation will help stretch available supplies and reduce costs. Every reduction in outdoor watering directly reduces the volume of higher-cost potable water used, which lowers your bill during this period.

The amended rate and fee schedule are available on the District’s website: https://www.nwcwd.org/.

Please contact the District with questions.