We oversee one of the largest wastewater collection and treatment systems in Colorado that is regulated under a single state-issued permit. Our system includes:
- Approximately 1,600 miles of pipe
- Approximately 30,000 manholes
- 14 lift stations
- Two wastewater treatment plants
As part of our environmental stewardship, we are committed to improving our system and protecting area streams. Since 2004, we have invested more than $120 million on wastewater collection system maintenance and improvements. We will invest a total of $300 million by 2018.
These investments are producing results. Our spills per 100 miles of pipe are among the lowest in the nation, and we are among statewide leaders in wastewater system investments.
Ongoing maintenance and education
Our wastewater collection system uses a variety of methods to minimize wastewater overflows and ensure protection of human health and the environment. Our rate of releases is significantly better than most other systems of similar size.
- We clean more than one-third of the system each year.
- We help prevent infiltration and leaks caused by root growth by treating of collection pipelines.
- Crews use closed-circuit TV to monitor the condition of the pipes.
- Utility specialists educate local restaurants and other businesses how grease can cause blockages in our community's system.
Sanitary sewer overflow
A sanitary sewer overflow is an overflow of untreated wastewater from a collection system that reaches, or has the potential of reaching, state waterways, such as Fountain Creek, in Colorado Springs.
An overflow can be caused by vandalism, tree roots, pipeline settling/failure, grease/debris blockages and severe storm events.
Each overflow site is cleaned through recovery of pooled liquids, physical removal of residues and debris, and flushing the area with potable water.
Did you know...
that 98 percent of backups are caused by grease or tree roots? When it comes to wastewater interceptors, the pipes that take wastewater to the treatment plants, we've got that covered. Service lines, the pipes running from your address to the interceptor or street, are the customer's responsibility.
You can lessen your chances of a service leak or break by having your lines cleaned annually. Need help finding a contractor? Call us at 448-4800 and we'll put you in touch with a qualified contractor.
