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Maybe you've seen information on social media or flyers in your bill. You may be enrolled in the program and receive continual communications or this may be the first time you've read about lead in the Denver metro area.

No matter what your familiarity might be, Denver Water wants to share some practical tips about its Lead Reduction Program.

First, it's important to remember that the drinking water you receive from Denver Water is safe, clean, high-quality and lead-free.

In January, Denver Water’s Lead Reduction Program marked the three-year anniversary of its launching, after being approved in late 2019 by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Environmental Protection Agency.

2021 Lead Reduction Program overview

The program is the largest public health initiative in Denver Water's history and is focused on protecting present and future generations by replacing between 64,000 and 84,000 customer-owned, not Denver Water-owned, service lines that may contain lead at no direct charge to customers. To date, Denver Water has replaced more than 10,000 service lines.

Now, you may be wondering, what are utility service lines and where are they located?

Service lines are the water pipes that connect a home or business to the Denver Water system. This video below shows how lead gets into drinking water, how service lines are replaced, what to expect during replacement and steps a customer can take to prepare for replacement.

What are lead service lines?

Replacing service lines is just one of five major components of the program. The others include:

• Developing an inventory of where these lead service lines are located.
• Increasing the pH level in drinking water. This increase protects all Denver Water customers, not just those in the program.
• Providing water pitchers and replacement filters to remove lead before cooking, drinking and preparing infant formula.
• Constant communication with our customers.

Pitcher and water filters

If you received a Denver Water pitcher and water filter, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for best use. The use of the pitcher and filters includes filtering water to cook foods such as beans, rice, pasta or any food that may absorb water. Also use filtered water to prepare infant formula and, of course, before drinking.

This video below shows how to use the pitcher and water filter shipped by Denver Water. Remember that boiling the water does not remove lead from the water.

How to use your Brita pitcher and filters

Additional Tips

• This interactive map allows you to enter your address to verify if your home or business is part of the program.
• If you are concerned about your health and that of your family, contact your doctor. You also can contact your local public health agency for information. 
• You can find more tips and information about Denver Water's Lead Reduction Program by visiting denverwater.org/Lead.