In this issue
Save water with compost
Most soils can be improved by adding compost, which helps retain water in the soil and at the plant’s roots. You can add compost to flower beds and gardens, as well as to soil before laying sod or planting trees and shrubs. You also can use compost as a top dressing on existing lawns.
Compost is 100 percent organic matter. You can buy it, or you can create it from leaves, lawn clippings and vegetable-waste products, such as cucumber peels and coffee grounds.
Compost can be made from a pile of leaves in a stray corner of the yard, or in a bin with air circulation and paddles to turn the pile. It also can be left alone under a black plastic cover (to protect it from Colorado’s dry climate) and turned and watered frequently.
Collect your fall leaves to cultivate your own compost for next year's garden.
Who cares for the trees on the High Line?
Have you ever wondered who cares for the beautiful trees that border the High Line Canal? Denver Water is responsible for trimming trees and removing hazardous trees that border the canal. Trees are evaluated and then trimmed or removed to protect the public, including those who recreate on the trail and those who own property that borders the canal.
All tree planting on the High Line Canal is coordinated with Denver Water. Without irrigation, new trees do not succeed, and the canal does not have consistent water flow or the necessary infrastructure to ensure available irrigation. Some park districts along the canal have planted trees and have developed methods of watering these trees until they are established.
Yellow property markers denote the edge of Denver Water property along the High Line Canal. Trees within Denver Water’s ownership cannot be trimmed or removed. If Denver Water’s property markers aren’t readily visible, homeowners along the canal are responsible for locating the edge of their property before trimming or removing trees.
Your water rates at work
Each year, Denver Water collects more than 10,000 samples and conducts nearly 50,000 tests to ensure your water is as clean and safe as possible.
Treating water is an expensive but worthwhile process, accounting for about $15 million annually in operating costs, materials, supplies, routine maintenance and other expenses. Every dollar of that amount goes toward making sure the water that arrives at your house is perfectly safe to drink.
Our state-of-the-art treatment plants ensure your water meets or exceeds all regulatory mandates. Drinking water is regulated through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
So next time you’re thirsty, turn on your tap and enjoy clean, filtered Rocky Mountain snowmelt!
Find a water-saving car wash
Keeping your car clean doesn’t necessarily mean wasting a lot of water.
Denver Water certifies car washes that recycle water or use water-efficient equipment to cut their usage.
Car washes that recycle water use 60 percent less than conventional facilities; car washes that are certified efficient use 30 percent less water than traditional car washes.
In addition to saving water, using a professional car wash instead of washing your car at home prevents soap and dirty water from entering storm sewers that flow into lakes, streams and rivers.
Take a virtual tour of the journey of water!
Learn about the journey of water as it travels from Rocky Mountain snowmelt straight to your tap.
This virtual tour has detailed information about the collection, storage, treatment and delivery of Denver’s water.
It’s a complex process, but one that we can’t live without!