Denver – Colorado
Denver Water, one of the nation’s oldest water utilities founded in 1918, serves over 1.5 million people across Denver and surrounding communities through a sophisticated system that includes approximately 3,000 miles of water mains, 13 treatment plants, and multiple collection systems. The utility delivers roughly 200 million gallons daily, drawing primarily from high-quality mountain snowmelt sources in the Colorado Rockies.
Denver’s water supply comes from a diverse portfolio including the South Platte River system, Chatfield Reservoir, and the Colorado River basin via the Moffat Tunnel and Roberts Tunnel. This geographic diversity provides flexibility and reliability during varying weather conditions. Denver Water has earned national recognition for its comprehensive water management approach, including aggressive conservation programs that have reduced per capita consumption by 22% since 2004 despite population growth. The utility’s commitment to sustainability includes extensive watershed protection, innovative demand management, and climate resilience planning.
Denver Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 3.7 parts per billion (ppb), well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, reflecting effective corrosion control and water chemistry management.
- Testing Scope: Denver Water conducts over 250,000 water quality tests annually across its service area, including comprehensive monitoring at treatment facilities and throughout the distribution network.
- Compliance Status: Denver’s water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining full compliance with EPA and Colorado Department of Public Health regulations.
Mountain Watershed Sources
- South Platte Basin: Local collection system including Chatfield Reservoir provides approximately 50% of supply, with excellent water quality from protected mountain watersheds.
- Colorado River Water: Transported through the Moffat Tunnel and Roberts Tunnel, providing 35% of supply with consistently high quality from Western Slope snowmelt.
- Groundwater Resources: Limited but strategic use of aquifers for drought contingency and supply diversity, comprising approximately 15% of total supply.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Multi-Barrier Treatment: Comprehensive treatment processes including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and chloramination ensure consistent water quality across all sources.
- Corrosion Control: Optimized orthophosphate treatment prevents lead leaching, with dosing tailored to Denver’s unique water chemistry and pipe materials.
- UV Disinfection: Implemented at several facilities to provide redundant pathogen protection without chemical byproducts.
Water Conservation Leadership
- Demand Management: Innovative conservation programs have reduced per capita water use by 22% since 2004, despite serving 500,000 more customers.
- Weather-Based Rebates: Smart irrigation controllers and turf replacement programs, with enhanced rebates based on actual water savings measured through smart meters.
- WaterSense Certification: First major utility to receive EPA WaterSense Sustained Excellence Award for water efficiency leadership.
Climate Adaptation and Infrastructure
Denver Water’s comprehensive Integrated Water Supply Plan projects supply needs through 2050, incorporating climate change scenarios and population growth. The utility has invested over $100 million in pipe replacement programs, smart meter technology, and system optimization. Major infrastructure projects include the Gross Dam expansion (completing 2025) which will increase storage capacity by 77,000 acre-feet, providing critical drought resilience for Colorado’s Front Range. Denver’s proactive approach to climate adaptation includes forest health monitoring in watersheds, enhanced snowpack modeling, and regional collaboration on water-sharing agreements during drought conditions.
Recommendations for Denver Residents
Embrace Xeriscaping
Replace water-intensive lawns with drought-tolerant native plants. Denver Water offers rebates up to $3 per square foot for turf removal and $5,000 for total landscape transformations.
Install Smart Irrigation
Upgrade to weather-based smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering based on actual conditions. Receive enhanced rebates plus ongoing credits based on measured water savings.
Follow Water Rules
Adhere to year-round watering restrictions: odd/even address watering, no watering between 10 AM and 4 PM, and maximum of 3 days per week during summer months.
Use Cold Tap Water
Always use cold water for drinking and cooking. Run water for 1-2 minutes in the morning or after extended periods of non-use to ensure freshness, especially in older homes.
Monitor Your Usage
Register for My Water Account to track consumption, detect leaks, and set conservation goals. Smart meter data helps identify unusual usage patterns before they impact your bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denver’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Denver’s tap water is safe and meets all federal and state drinking water standards. Our water comes primarily from protected mountain watersheds and undergoes comprehensive treatment including filtration, disinfection, and corrosion control.
Denver Water conducts over 250,000 water quality tests annually and publishes detailed results in our annual Water Quality Report. Lead testing shows levels well below EPA limits (3.7 ppb vs. 15 ppb action level). While our water is safe, residents in homes built before 1987 may want to test for lead as a precaution. Free testing kits are available through Denver Water.
Why does Denver’s water taste different at times?
Denver sources water from multiple locations with varying mineral content. You may notice taste differences when we switch between sources based on availability and water quality. For example:
• South Platte River water tends to be softer with a milder taste
• Colorado River water may have slightly more minerals
• Seasonal changes can affect organic content and taste
Chloramine levels (our disinfectant) may also be adjusted seasonally. All variations are safe and meet quality standards. If you prefer filtered water, any NSF-certified carbon filter will improve taste while maintaining safety.
How is Denver Water preparing for drought?
Denver Water has implemented a comprehensive drought resilience strategy:
• Infrastructure expansion: Gross Dam expansion (completed 2025) adds 77,000 acre-feet of storage
• Conservation achievements: 22% reduction in per capita water use since 2004
• Diverse water portfolio: Multiple sources reduce dependence on any single supply
• Smart technology: Advanced meters and leak detection minimize water loss
• Regional cooperation: Water-sharing agreements with neighboring utilities
• Climate modeling: Long-term planning based on snowpack projections
These measures ensure reliable water supply through 2050, even under severe drought scenarios.
What are Denver’s current water restrictions?
Denver maintains year-round water restrictions designed to promote efficiency:
Year-Round Rules:
• Odd/even address watering schedule
• No watering between 10 AM and 4 PM
• Maximum 3 days per week during summer (April-October)
• Maximum 1 day per week during winter (November-March)
Exemptions:
• Hand watering with shut-off nozzle
• Drip irrigation systems
• Newly seeded/sodded areas (first 30 days)
Violations may result in fines. Check denverwater.org for current stage levels and specific requirements.
Contaminants of Concern
Lead
Source: Primarily from older household plumbing, lead solder, and service connections in homes built before 1987
Health Effects: Developmental delays in children, reduced IQ, learning difficulties, kidney problems, cardiovascular effects in adults
Current Levels: 90th percentile value of 3.7 ppb, well below EPA action level of 15 ppb EPA Limit: Action level 15 ppb, but no level of lead is considered safe
Chloramines
Source: Combination of chlorine and ammonia used as a long-lasting disinfectant in the distribution system
Health Effects: Safe for drinking; some people may notice taste or odor; should be removed for dialysis and aquarium use
Current Status: Maintained at effective levels (typically 1-2 mg/L); forms fewer disinfection byproducts than chlorine alone
Please read – our information
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