Systems
PrecipitationSnow Melt
Colorado Rivers
Drought
Denver Water is responsible for the collection, storage, quality control and distribution of drinking water to 1.4 million people, which is nearly one-fourth of all Coloradans. Almost all of its water comes from mountain snowmelt, and Denver is the first major user in line to use that water. Denver Water’s primary water sources are the South Platte River, Blue River, Williams Fork River and Fraser River watersheds, but it also uses water from the South Boulder Creek, Ralston Creek and Bear Creek watersheds.
Drought is a natural hazard where a geographic location receives less precipitation than usual for an extended period of time. Drought can be caused by changes in the weather cycle and human overconsumption of water during periods of normal rainfall. Since Denver receives minimal rainfall each year, it is important to use water wisely.
Treatment
Potable Water
Sewage
From the collection of raw water, to the distribution of pure water, Denver Water thoroughly treats all incoming water before it reaches the tap. The treatment process includes coagulation/flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and corrosion control. More on the treatment process below.
Residential wastewater can be divided in two categories.
Gray Water: From your shower, bath, washing machine, and kitchen sink.
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Black Water: From your toilets and kitchen sinks.
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Wastewater is collected and treated at the Robert W. Hite Wastewater Treatment Plant and used for farmland irrigation or urban farming.
Recycled Water
Farmland Irrigation & Urban Farming
Runoff
An estimated 70 percent of water withdrawn globally is allocated toward agricultural irrigation and irrigation is responsible for 40 percent of the world's food production. The main sources of water for irrigation are underground wells and rivers but unconventional sources like recycled water from nearby treatment plants have gained popularity.
Recycled water and storm water that is not used for farmland irrigation or urban farming gets returned to the aquatic ecosystem through runoff. This water will then be collected and used for human consumption or evaporate into the atmosphere and run through the water cycle once more.