City's water utility confirms ongoing lead line replacements for budgeted $40M program

Englewood City officials provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing water and sewer replacement project during the Water and Sewer Board meeting on July 8, 2025. The project, which has a total budget of $40 million, is currently on track and remains within budget, with contingency funds available for any unexpected expenses.

The meeting highlighted the progress made in Zones 2 and 3, with plans to transition to the South Zone (Zone 4) shortly. This area requires approximately 50 replacements, expected to take one to two weeks to complete. In contrast, the Northwest Zone (Zone 5) is significantly larger, with around 425 replacements anticipated. The city aims to finalize data gaps and complete replacements in the North Central Zone (Zone 1) concurrently.

Officials expect to complete verification across the entire city by the end of 2025, with the overall program completion projected for late 2026. A third construction contract with AGL is anticipated to be renewed in the fall of 2025, contingent on the pace of ongoing replacements.

Community concerns were also addressed during the meeting, particularly regarding older homes in Zone 10. Residents expressed worries about potential lead lines in their water service. Officials clarified that the color-coded mapping of zones does not indicate the absence of lead lines but is merely a method for differentiating areas. They assured residents that potholing efforts are being conducted to confirm the status of service lines, particularly in older neighborhoods where lead lines may still exist.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and ongoing communication with residents as the project progresses, emphasizing the city's dedication to ensuring safe and reliable water service for all residents.