Gross Reservoir Expansion Project

Environmental Stewardship

As a major water provider in the West, we have a special responsibility to the environment and being a responsible steward of a most precious natural resource. We are dedicated to protecting and enhancing the health of our watersheds and the properties and public amenities of our system.
One example is our water efficiency plan, which is driving conservation. In 2018, Denver Water customers used an average of 272 million gallons per day between May 1 and July 15, compared to the average of 356 million gallons per day recorded for that same period in 2000. Less total water use, even with 250,000 additional people having moved to Denver since 2000!
 

Another is our industry leadership in treatment and reuse of wastewater – water used for irrigation, industrial use and municipal purposes.

Water Use Efficiency / Water Conservation Facts

Denver Water has a longstanding, highly effective and nationally recognized water conservation program because we know the value of water in a dry region. Promoting water efficiency is a critical part of our future water supply plan.

Our customers continue to do an incredible job using water efficiently. They’ve reduced water use by more than 20 percent in the past 15 years, despite a 15 percent population increase.
Every type of customer is asked to use only what they need, and Denver Water has conservation tools aimed at residential, commercial and industrial water uses. We also have rules that ensure that our customers don’t waste water, including a limit on the number of days and times customers can irrigate lawns or landscapes.

We have a tiered rate structure to encourage water conservation. The more customers use, the more they pay.

Denver Water spends more than $5 million each year to provide incentives to our customers to retrofit appliances, fixtures and irrigation systems with more efficient models.
It’s working! On average, we estimate that residents in our service area consume approximately 90 gallons per day, among the lowest rates in the western U.S.

Net Environmental Benefit

Latest News / Blog

Could Colorado cities save enough water to stop building dams?

Aug. 6, 2021 - Colorado Sun - Conservation groups want more “cash for grass” and other plans to acquire new water by saving it. But Denver and Aurora, among others, say there’s only so much to cut before a new dam is needed. Denver Water, serving 1.5 million customers...

A gleaming gift to the great outdoors

July 29,2021 - TAP - Denver Water conveying stunningly scenic parcels to Forest Service as part of Gross Reservoir Expansion Project. Denver Water is in the process of conveying 539 acres of wetlands, meadows and forests in Gilpin County to the Forest Service to be...