Across the nation, attempts to sell unendorsed products, phishing attempts and even people falsely posed as utility workers aim to take advantage of homeowners.

These incidents serve as a good reminder for our customers to keep up their guard.

There are a few types of threats Denver Water has identified that homeowners should take notice of:

• Phishing scams.
• Unendorsed products.
• Scams.
• Fake utility workers.

Phishing scams

We’ve had reports of emails being sent that look like they are from Denver Water, asking customers to click on a link that takes them to what appears to be Denver Water’s website. But the site is a fake intended to collect payment or personal information.

Denver Water will never send an email asking customers to provide any type of payment or personal information.

Online payments should be made by going directly to Denver Water’s online payment interface, accessible from Denver Water’s website: denverwater.org. We only send links for informational purposes like water use reports or water efficiency tips.

Unendorsed products

There are many service providers offering protection programs for water service line maintenance and replacement. Oftentimes, customers will alert Denver Water to these offers received in the mail, or less frequently as a door hanger. Denver Water is not affiliated with, nor do we endorse, any of these programs or products

Similarly, Denver Water is not affiliated with, nor do we endorse, additional at-home water treatment devices. Because our water comes from snowmelt and follows strict federal regulations to ensure it is safe to drink, there’s usually no reason to replace tap water with bottled water or filtered water (outside of the Lead Reduction Program) if you’re concerned about contaminants.

Before purchasing an at-home water treatment device, it’s important that you spend time learning about your water supply, risks and smart water-use practices in your own home. Learning more can help you make an informed decision. Visit our water quality page for annual water quality reports, FAQs and more information about Denver Water’s drinking water supply and check out reputable websites for water quality information like the EPA and CDPHE.

While there is no lead in the water that Denver Water provides, the primary source of lead in drinking water comes from customer-owned lead service lines, the pipe that brings water from the water main in the street to the plumbing in your home. If you’re part of Denver Water’s Lead Reduction Program, it’s critical to continue using the Denver Water provided water pitcher, filter and replacement filters certified to remove lead. These are provided to all customers who may have a lead service line to use until six months after their lead service line has been replaced.

Scams

Sometimes Denver Water is alerted to fliers or other door hangers that are placed on doors in attempts to scare a homeowner into purchasing unnecessary products. Beware of fliers or other materials left at your property that do not have any logos or company information clearly listed, seem to be unprofessional or have terminology that goes against what you know is happening at your property and in the area. We encourage you to contact Denver Water’s Customer Care to verify the legitimacy and accuracy of the offer. Denver Water notifies local government officials and neighborhood groups anytime we are informed of a potential scam.

Fake utility worker

But it's not just online scams. Water, electric and gas utility worker scams across the country involve everything from imposters asking to check pipes or gas lines, collecting money for bills or even testing water quality.

Homeowners should always ask to see employee identification if someone says they work for Denver Water.

Another red flag? Requests for cash. Denver Water never sends anyone to your home to collect money. If someone says they are from Denver Water and asks for cash, they are an imposter.

Homeowners should be wary of anyone who knocks on the door and offers lead testing. Denver Water does offer free lead testing for our customers, but we mail the kits so homeowners can collect the water samples themselves. We don’t send employees out for this service.

If someone says they’re from Denver Water and they look suspicious or you feel threatened, don’t let them in and call 9-1-1 right away.

If someone is at your property saying that they represent Denver Water, make sure to check for the Denver Water logo on vehicles, hats and clothing.