History of ELCO

East Larimer County (ELCO) Water District provides drinking water to homes and businesses located north and east of Fort Collins, Colorado. The District was created by court decree on January 15, 1962 after voters in Larimer and Weld Counties approved formation of the District. There were 252 ballots in favor of forming the District and one ballot against.

Before ELCO was created, there were no public water supply systems serving rural areas of Larimer and Weld Counties. Most cities in the area were unable to provide water service outside their city limits. Rural residents obtained drinking water from shallow wells or cisterns. Many of the cisterns were filled with water hauled from nearby communities.

It was difficult for some rural residents to receive high quality drinking water from their wells or cisterns. Rural residents also had to limit their water use to prevent their wells or cisterns from running dry. Water quality and supply problems for rural residents were solved when ELCO installed water lines throughout the 53 square miles included within the District

What Is ELCO?

East Larimer County Water District is a political subdivision of the State of Colorado. It is governed and operated in accordance with the Colorado Special Districts Act. Special Districts are quasi-municipal corporations that provide services normally delivered by county and municipal governments.

A directly elected five-member Board governs the District. Any registered voter who resides within the District or owns taxable property within the District can serve on the Board and vote in the election for Board members.

Board members serve staggered four year terms and meet at least once a month to oversee the District's programs, policies and projects. Board meetings are open and accessible to the public. Customers are invited to attend any Board meeting to discuss District issues.

As a Special District, ELCO has the Authority to issue bonds, condemn property and levy property taxes. Since its formation, the District has assessed property taxes during only three years in the early 1980's. ELCO has always tried to rely on water sales revenue instead of property taxes to fund District operations.​