Denver Water is accelerating its journey toward sustainability, setting an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. With climate change posing significant risks to water resources, the utility is prioritizing infrastructure investments that incorporate renewable energy, increase resilience, and reduce dependence on traditional power sources.
In its effort to reach net-zero, Denver Water has outlined a strategic plan that will transform its operations. The approach combines renewable energy generation at facilities, energy efficiency improvements, and a gradual electrification of its fleet and buildings. As part of this strategy, Denver Water is on track to meet a 2025 target to reduce carbon emissions by 50% from 2015 levels.
“We’ve been implementing carbon-reducing projects for years, but meeting the 2030 net-zero goal will require accelerating our pace,” said Kate Taft, Denver Water’s sustainability manager. “Achieving our 2025 target is a critical step, allowing us to build on our successes while making targeted changes that will yield long-term benefits for both the environment and our community.”
The Northwater Treatment Plant near Golden represents a cornerstone of Denver Water’s infrastructure upgrades. Completed in 2024, this state-of-the-art facility was designed with sustainability and operational efficiency at its core. Unlike traditional plants, Northwater can generate sufficient renewable energy to sustain its daily operations, making it largely self-sufficient under most conditions. When producing excess energy, the plant can return electricity to the grid, reinforcing Denver Water’s role as an active participant in Colorado’s renewable energy landscape.
Northwater’s sustainable design includes advanced water and energy management systems, which optimize treatment processes to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact. In addition to solar power installations, the plant’s integration of energy-efficient technology means lower operating costs and reduced emissions, directly supporting Denver Water’s 2025 and 2030 climate goals.
Beyond Northwater, Denver Water’s Operations Complex uses a geothermal system that draws on natural temperature variations in water to heat and cool the facility. This reduces reliance on natural gas and is an efficient model for utilities seeking to minimize building operations emissions.
Furthermore, the complex’s design boosts resilience during potential energy grid disruptions, ensuring Denver Water can maintain essential functions regardless of external power conditions. This capability is essential for water utilities, which must operate reliably in emergencies and extreme weather events.
Denver Water’s path to net-zero builds on incremental successes that have cut energy consumption and boosted renewable energy use. In recent years, the utility achieved its goal of reducing 1 million kilowatt-hours of energy within a year, a benchmark that has informed its ongoing infrastructure improvements. By electrifying its fleet and incorporating electric vehicles into daily operations, Denver Water continues to cut emissions from one of its most significant sources—its vehicle fleet.
The utility’s 2025 target to halve emissions is a linchpin in its journey to net-zero. Reaching this goal will involve expanding current initiatives, including replacing older vehicles with electric models, investing in energy-saving technologies, and pursuing opportunities to harness renewable energy sources across its properties. As Dominique Gómez, Denver Water’s Board President, noted, “Our ability to meet our targets hinges on the infrastructure investments we make now, which will support a more resilient, climate-adapted water system.”
Denver Water’s initiatives align closely with Denver’s broader climate goals, and the utility is working with city officials and other partners to support emissions reductions. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has emphasized the importance of these efforts, describing Denver Water as a forward-thinking utility that is setting a critical example for the region. “Denver is fortunate to have a utility that recognizes the urgency of climate action while continuing to meet the needs of our growing community,” said Mayor Johnston.
As Denver Water pursues its 2030 net-zero target, it also aims to keep customer rates steady, leveraging energy efficiency and renewable generation cost savings to offset operational expenses. This balanced approach ensures that the financial benefits of sustainable practices are passed on to the community, fostering economic and environmental resilience.
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