Improving the safety and reliability of our aging system
Denver Water is upgrading and modernizing the northern portion of our water system. We are building a new water treatment plant, installing a new pipeline and redeveloping our Moffat Treatment Plant site. When finished, the system will be more resilient and adaptable to changing demands for water now and into the future.
System Project Map
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By the numbers
80
8.5
4
Why it's important
Denver Water’s North System was constructed in the 1930s, when the surrounding area was mostly farmland. Now, 80 years later, the North System is reaching the end of its lifespan.
The North System’s pipelines and valves need to be replaced. The new treatment plant will feature updated technology, and the existing Moffat Treatment Plant will be repurposed into a distribution site.
Project components
Ralston Reservoir Connection
We are making the necessary upgrades and improvements to connect Ralston Reservoir to the Northwater Treatment Plant. This includes replacing and upgrading the 1930s-era pipelines and valves that allow water to be released from the reservoir.
Northwater Treatment Plant
We are building a new, state-of-the-art water treatment plant next to Ralston Reservoir, north of Golden in Jefferson County. The Northwater Treatment Plant will be capable of treating up to 150 million gallons of water a day and will be equipped with disinfection technology that will provide more flexibility to react to changes in water quality.
Northwater Pipeline
We are installing a 7-foot diameter pipeline along an 8.5-mile route from Ralston Reservoir to the Moffat site in Lakewood, replacing two smaller existing pipelines. The new pipeline will transport treated water from the newly built Northwater Treatment Plant to the Moffat site for distribution to our customers.
Moffat Distribution Site
We are repurposing the Moffat Treatment Plant, originally built in 1937, into a storage and distribution site for treated water coming from the Northwater Treatment Plant.
How it affects our customers
These improvements will help maintain reliable, safe drinking water and avoid service failures that could adversely impact neighbors.
Being a good neighbor: Denver Water is committed to maintaining safe worksites and mitigating noise, dust, traffic and other construction impacts on our neighbors. We aim to reduce delays and inconvenience and communicate well in advance so commuters, residents and neighbors can plan accordingly.
Anticipated timeline
