Denver Water Issues Update on Lead Reduction Program

On January 19, 2021, Denver Water sent out an update on the city’s lead reduction program. We wanted to share key parts of those updates with you so you’re informed on upcoming changes and how they may affect your home and neighborhood.

What is the Denver Water Lead Reduction Program?

Denver Water has spent more than 30 years monitoring lead levels in homes and businesses across Denver metro. The water provider has implemented several initiatives to reduce lead in the water and keep residents safe, including:

• Providing free water quality tests
• Inspecting and replacing known lead service lines
• Extensively documenting the number of lead service lines throughout the city and metropolitan area
• Reimbursing Denver homeowners who paid to have their lead service lines replaced
• Increasing the pH of city water to prevent lead particles from lead pipes from making it into the water

The Denver Water Lead Reduction Program began in March 2020, after approval from the EPA and Department of Public Health and Environment. This initiative aims to remove all lead service lines throughout Denver over the next 15 years.

Denver Water estimates that over 80,000 properties across Denver are located near lead service lines. All affected homeowners will receive an official notification from Denver Water. Part of the notification letter includes a consent form that grants Denver Water permission to carry out the replacement.

Before the work begins, a Denver Water representative will schedule a consultation with you. During this appointment, you’ll agree on a time and date for work to commence. You’ll also receive a free drinking water pitcher with replacement filters.

See recordings of Denver Water’s virtual community meetings

Denver Water recently held a virtual community meeting to let affected homeowners know what to expect. You can view recordings of past meetings anytime here.

To see a map of where construction will take place in 2021, click here.

Frequently asked questions about the lead reduction program

Why is the lead reduction program needed if there’s no lead in the city’s drinking water?

The lead doesn’t come from the water itself, but rather the pipes used to transport it. Those pipes connect to the public mainline and are privately owned by homeowners. Check out this video from Denver Water to learn more about how lead makes its way into drinking water.

How do I know if my home’s plumbing system is connected to a lead service line?

If your home is affected, you’ll receive a letter in the mail from Denver Water. Homes built before 1951 are more likely to have lead service pipes.

Can I have my service line replaced myself?

Absolutely. If you schedule your replacement in 2021, Denver Water will even reimburse part of your expenses as long as the lines are replaced before December 20, 2021.

Can Golden West replace my lead service line?

Yes! We can replace any lead plumbing pipes that connect your home to the public mainline. And we’ll do so with minimal digging and disruption to your daily life. Once the job is done, we’ll clean up after ourselves — it’ll be like we were never there.

Contact us with all your questions about Denver lead plumbing pipes

We’re following the Denver Water Lead Reduction Program closely, and we’re well-equipped to replace your lead service line if you’d like it done sooner. We’re a family-owned business operated by Denver homeowners just like you. When you book a lead service line replacement in Denver with Golden West, you can rest easy knowing we won’t tack any hidden fees or overtime charges onto your bill.

Simply got questions about the lead reduction program? Give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer them as best we can.