June 12, 2026, update:
We’re working through final coordination and appreciate your patience. More information will be shared soon.
About the project
In June 2026, Denver Water will begin a pipe replacement project along Santa Fe Drive from West 7th Avenue to West 12th Avenue and West 8 Avenue between Santa Fe Drive and Kalamath to replace over 2,800 linear feet of aging pipes — called water mains — underneath the road. The work is taking place in advance of the City and County of Denver’s Santa Fe Streetscape Project.
Crews will begin work at West 7th Avenue and move north in one- to two-block increments. To help accelerate the construction timeline, work is expected to typically occur Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Denver Water will provide regular project updates via email. Sign up for our newsletter to receive project updates.
Residents and businesses in the construction zone will receive additional notifications with information about specific impacts they may experience.
Project FAQs
Denver Water is replacing this water main now because the pipe is reaching the end of its useful life and the timing aligns with the City and County of Denver’s Santa Fe Streetscape Project. Completing this work now avoids future construction beneath newly improved streets and reduces the risk of future breaks, while protecting water quality and improving service reliability.
Denver Water’s pipe replacement work will start in June 2026 and is expected to be completed by winter 2026. Schedules may change due to weather, material availability or emergency work.
First Friday Art Walks will continue as planned. During these weeks, construction will take place Sunday through Thursday, with crews keeping streets and walkways open, safe and accessible for visitors and businesses.
Crews will work in one- to two- block increments at a time and will dig a trench to install the new pipe. Once installed, the pipe will be tested to confirm that there are no leaks and that it meets water quality standards. Crews will then connect the new pipe to the existing water supply system.
Yes. Businesses will remain open throughout construction.
Denver Water will work to maintain safe access to businesses during construction hours, which will typically be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some weekend work required.
Construction requires a full closure of Santa Fe Drive during working hours. The trench will be patched with asphalt and the road will be drivable before reopening each night.
The project will include planned water outages. Denver Water will notify affected customers in advance with details about the date and duration of the outage, as well as ways to prepare.
While unlikely, emergency water shut-offs may also occur. If this happens, crews will work directly with affected customers.
Denver Water will patch trenches and sidewalks with asphalt before the roadway reopens each evening. Temporary sidewalk repairs will remain in place until the City and County of Denver begins its streetscape project in the fall, when permanent sidewalk and concrete improvements are planned.
Landscaping is typically restored April through October and may be delayed until the next planting season.
We understand construction is impactful. You can find information in English and Spanish that answers commonly asked questions and shares practical ideas to help minimize disruptions for business owners.
For questions related to any of Denver Water’s construction projects, contact Denver Water Customer Care at 303-893-2444, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You may also email WaterUdoing@denverwater.org or visit denverwater.org/Construction for more information.
For emergencies or urgent inquiries after hours, call 303-628-6801.