Denver Water is setting a bold benchmark in the water utility sector with its recent multi-million redevelopment project, which not only achieved LEED certification but also showcased an innovative approach to water resource management. At the heart of this initiative lies the RUFUS (ReUse For Us System), which recycles water from restrooms and the main cafeteria. This forward-thinking system has paved the way for legal onsite water use in Colorado, allowing other facilities to explore similar avenues of sustainability.
However, as Chance Coe, the utility’s water quality lead, points out, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. While Denver Water has successfully removed some regulatory barriers, the complexities of long-term operations and maintenance can be daunting. “Commercial rainwater capture can only be done in conjunction with a water rights decree,” Coe explains. This may sound like a mouthful, but it underscores a critical point: navigating the water industry isn’t child’s play. For those outside the industry, the intricacies of creating an augmentation plan can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.
Despite these challenges, Coe encourages other organizations to look into Denver Water’s One Water Strategy, which encompasses various aspects of sustainable water management, from wastewater treatment to stormwater mitigation. The utility is eager to share its experiences and help others understand what’s possible. “We don’t expect people to copy our operations exactly,” he says, but the knowledge gained can certainly be adapted.
One of the key takeaways from Coe’s insights is the importance of stakeholder buy-in. He emphasizes the need to engage with other utilities and organizations already navigating these waters. “There is so much value in these systems,” Coe notes, “but it can be hard to see that value if organizations cannot look behind the potential cost of the system initially.” This perspective is crucial; understanding the long-term benefits of water conservation can transform how organizations approach sustainability.
Employee education also plays a vital role. Coe highlights that those who will interact with the system daily should be well-versed in its operations. Denver Water took the time to educate its employees for over a year before moving into the new building, ensuring they understood the nuances of the reuse system. This proactive approach can make or break a project’s success.
Looking ahead, Denver Water is already making strides with its newly acquired permit to use recycled water for irrigation, set to be tested in 2025. Coe expresses optimism about the future, stating, “We are approaching a milestone in our system where we are stable enough to begin to press into the optimization components.” This reflects a commitment to continuous improvement, a sentiment echoed by Brian Good, the chief administrative officer overseeing sustainability efforts. “Denver Water will never be satisfied with ‘good enough,’” Good asserts, emphasizing a relentless pursuit of excellence for the community and its customers.
As utilities like Denver Water blaze a trail in sustainable practices, they not only redefine their operational standards but also inspire others to rethink their approach to water management. The implications are profound; as more organizations adopt similar strategies, we may witness a paradigm shift in how the water industry tackles conservation, efficiency, and community engagement. The future of water management is not just about meeting regulations or cutting costs; it’s about creating a sustainable legacy for generations to come.
