Denver Water is a leader in understanding and promoting sustainability both in the state of Colorado and in water utility planning. Our goal is to build environments responsibly and enhance Denver Water property.
We are dedicated to sustainable growth and operation of our assets, and we'll lead by example by sharing experience and expertise.
Goals that have been met
- All operating facilities are recognized Gold status in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Environmental Leadership Program.
- Organizational green cleaning standards have been developed for all facilities.
- Sustainability goals, standards and commitments were integrated into Denver Water’s Engineering Standards and Capital Project Construction Standards.
Current initiatives
Lead Reduction Program
Denver Water is committed to delivering safe water to our customers. The water that we provide to homes and businesses is lead-free, but lead can get into the water as it moves through lead-containing household fixtures, plumbing and water service lines — the pipe that brings water into the home from the main in the street — that are owned by the customer.
The Lead Reduction Program was approved in December 2019 by the Environmental Protection Agency and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The program has five main components:
- pH adjustment: Increasing the pH level of the water to reduce the risk of lead and other metals getting into drinking water from lead service lines or household plumbing.
- Inventory: Developing and maintaining a publicly accessible inventory of all customer-owned lead service lines in Denver Water’s service area. The service line is the pipe that brings water into the home from the main in the street.
- Lead service line replacement: Replacing all of these lead service lines with copper lines at no direct charge to the customer.
- Filter program: Providing a free water pitcher, filter and replacement filters, certified to remove lead, to all customers suspected of having lead services lines until six months after their line is replaced.
- Ongoing: Communication, outreach and education programs.
In pictures
Planning for our future
Built environment and operations
Goals:
- Incorporate standards that include stormwater runoff in the redevelopment of two Denver Water properties by 2025.
Standards:
- Maximize participation and benefits of LEED, Envision, SITES and other building certifications by implementing standards in all new construction and major renovation when applicable.
- Uphold Denver Water’s green cleaning standards regarding chemical type in product and services within Denver Water operations.
Commitment:
- Continue to participate in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Environmental Leadership Program at the Gold Leader level.
- Continue to participate in the City and County of Denver’s Certifiably Green Denver Program to qualify Denver Water’s fleet shop for certification.
- Continue to invest and participate in new trials and pilots for energy, water and waste savings within our infrastructure.
- Install permeable pavement and surfaces when applicable in development and resurfacing projects.
- Include sustainability goals for all Continuous Improvement events.
Assets
Commitment:
- Consider fuel-efficient vehicles and alternative transportation options for all new fleet vehicles.
- Continue to evaluate and update IT Asset Management Plan.