Denver Water has replaced its water mains at about 97,000 feet a year since 2022, against a goal of more than 145,000 feet: 1% of the system each year. Closing that gap is one of three long-running programmes that will drive its purchasing well beyond the current drought.
Lead service lines
An estimated 60,000 to 64,000 homes in Denver Water's area may have a lead service line. More than 35,000 lines have been replaced since 2020, at no direct cost to customers, and the programme's construction outlook runs from 2026 to 2031. Federal funding of US$76.1 million, with US$40 million of principal forgiven, was used between 2023 and 2025.
Meters
More than 240,000 meters are due to move from radio-based reading to cellular advanced metering, at a cost of up to US$63 million. Denver Water plans a phased rollout. No vendor had been publicly announced by October 2026, which is a reason to confirm the procurement stage directly rather than assume it is still open.
Main breaks
The FY 2025 audited report lists 344 main breaks in Denver. With renewal running at about two-thirds of its goal, pipe suppliers, trenchless contractors and condition-assessment firms face a long period of steady demand.
How each programme buys, which supplier categories rank highest, and what to monitor in Board agendas are set out in the report's Commercial Priorities and Watch List. The full report, Denver Water: Utility Account Brief, is available for USD 499 at https://ourfuturewaterintelligence.com/reports/denver-water-utility-account-brief. For a free overview, read the Denver Water Utility Snapshot at https://ourfuturewaterintelligence.com/utilities/denver-water.