Wed May 28 15:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Lake Loveland Plagued by Low Water Levels, Dead Fish Raise Concerns
**Loveland, CO -** Lake Loveland, a prominent body of water in Northern Colorado, is experiencing unusually low water levels, raising concerns among residents and questions about the lake’s water rights. The lake, normally near full capacity this time of year, reveals a drastically reduced waterline and hundreds of dead fish scattered along the exposed clay.
Residents like Harrison Bennett, who frequents the lake, expressed dismay at the conditions. “The water is really low for this time of year. Usually by now, it is really full,” he said, adding his concern over the large number of dead fish.
The Greeley Loveland Irrigation Company, which owns the lake and primarily uses it for agricultural irrigation in Weld County, attributes the low levels to its lower priority in accessing spring runoff from the Rocky Mountains. While company representatives declined an interview, a manager stated they are waiting for higher-priority lakes to fill before accessing their water rights.
CBS Colorado is investigating the cause of the fish deaths, potential impacts on local farmers relying on the lake for irrigation, and the timeline for refilling the lake.
Despite the concerning situation, some residents are finding unique ways to utilize the exposed lakebed. Jesse, who preferred to remain anonymous, has been using the drying clay as a makeshift racetrack for his grandson’s remote control trucks. “We are out here just having fun with them, jumping the hills and crashing,” he said. “We like that the water is down low.”
While the future of Lake Loveland’s water levels remains uncertain, the situation highlights the complex water rights system and its impact on local ecosystems and recreation.
First Piper 