Two years ago, Denver Water launched its groundbreaking Lead Reduction Program, which is reducing the risk of lead getting into drinking water from customer-owned water service lines or plumbing that contain lead.
In 2021, the second year of the program built on the first year’s successes.
These successful years are only possible because of our customers’ support for this important public health initiative. It will protect our family, friends and neighbors across our community now and for generations to come.
Our progress since the program started in 2020:
- More than 9,500 customer-owned lead water service lines have been replaced, at no direct charge to customers, with lead-free copper lines.
- More than 230,000 replacement filters certified to remove lead have been distributed to customers enrolled in the program. This is on top of the more than 102,000 pitchers sent to program participants. If you are enrolled in the program, use filtered water for cooking, drinking and preparing infant formula until six months after your lead service line is replaced.
- More than 6 million connections have been made with customers through mailings, phone calls, digital outreach, in-person and virtual meetings, and events organized by Denver Water or through our many partner organizations.
- Maintained ≥ 8.5 pH level of the water that Denver Water delivers to customers, reducing the potential for lead to get into drinking water by strengthening an existing protective coating in customer-owned service lines, household plumbing and fixtures.
It will take until 2035 to replace the estimated 64,000 to 84,000 lead service lines in our service area. Information about the neighborhoods targeted for 2022 replacement work is available at Pipe Replacement and Lead Reduction Program Work Areas.