Reclaimed Water in Westminster

What is reclaimed water? 

Reclaimed water is wastewater that has been further treated and disinfected to provide a supply that is safe and suitable for landscape irrigation. Reclaimed water contains nitrogen, phosphorous, and other nutrients, which promotes healthy plant development. To distribute reclaimed water for public use, the City built a plant that provides a high level of treatment and disinfection. Finished water must meet strict requirements set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Reclaimed water is delivered through pipelines that are separate from the City's potable (drinking) water system.

What are the main benefits for the city to use reclaimed water? 

Using reclaimed water helps maintain a constant water supply for city parks and golf courses. Even if you don’t use our parks or golf courses, reclaimed water is good for you too. Here are some examples of its benefits:

• Reduced demand on drinking water and scarce raw water supplies. 
• Efficient use of existing facilities and city employees. 
• City growth can be maintained in a responsible manner.  

Reclaimed water sites 

Westminster currently has 121 reclaimed water sites, making up more than 1,100 irrigated acres. These sites can be found throughout the city in parks, golf courses, schools, sports fields, commercial properties, and HOA common areas. 

To use reclaimed water, Westminster must meet standards set by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE). The Reclaimed Water Team ensures all sites remain in compliance and quickly points out any violations that need to be fixed. All sites and site irrigators using reclaimed water should familiarize themselves with these regulations. You can learn more about the regulations here. 

If you would like to learn more about the rules regarding reclaimed water usage, please visit our document library here.