Denver Water Aquifer Storage and Recovery Study
Denver Water is exploring how Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) may contribute to
delivering high-quality drinking water for our customers far into the future. As part of this
study, crews will drill an exploratory test well and collect data on the underlying aquifer at
Denver Water’s facility in Congress Park.
What: Denver Water crews will drill an exploratory borehole to evaluate water quality
and water production capability from a potential future ASR wells at the pump station
site. ASR has been proven successful for other utilities in the front range, but more study
is needed to learn about the aquifers under our feet in Denver. This program will help us
learn more as we try to determine if pursuing ASR is a smart long-term investment for
Denver Water
When: We expect the project to start in fall 2021. Notifications, including the full project
schedule, will be sent out later this summer.
Where: Denver Water’s Capitol Hill facility in Congress Park.
Why: Aquifer Storage and Recovery, or ASR, is the storage of clean, potable water in an
aquifer for later recovery and use. It’s like a savings account — water “deposits” can be
made during wet years and stored indefinitely. During periods of dry weather,
“withdrawals” can ease the burden on other water supplies.
Impacts: Out of respect for our neighbors, Denver Water pledges to minimize noise
impacts to the neighborhood during this project. Work will be conducted around-the-
clock for six to eight weeks, and Denver Water is obtaining a variance to the City and
County of Denver’s noise ordinance. Noise mitigation will include sound walls to limit
audible noise levels to a hum comparable the sound of a dishwasher running in the next
room
