Englewood Utilities Approves Compliance Agreement with Denver Water for Emergency Connections

In a recent meeting of the Englewood Water and Sewer Board, significant discussions centered around the approval of a compliance agreement for interconnections with Denver Water, a critical step in enhancing the city's water supply resilience. Engineering Supervisor Cliff Stevens presented the details of the Denver Water Emergency Project, which aims to establish two new connection points to bolster Englewood's water infrastructure.

Historically, Englewood had several interconnections with Denver Water, but these were abandoned due to their inability to meet the city's needs. The new project, part of Englewood's strategic plan, is designed to provide a reliable backup water supply in emergencies, such as contamination events or failures at the Ellen Water Treatment Plant, the city's sole treatment facility. The interconnections will ensure that Englewood can maintain water delivery to its residents even during critical failures.

Stevens emphasized the importance of this project for the city's water system resilience, noting that it addresses vulnerabilities that have existed since the inception of Englewood Utilities. The compliance agreement with Denver Water outlines the responsibilities and standards required for the interconnections, ensuring that both parties adhere to necessary regulations and maintain infrastructure security.

Board members raised questions about the historical context of previous interconnections and the implications of the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, which governs liability issues between governmental entities. The discussions highlighted the collaborative nature of the agreement, with Denver Water providing substantial support to Englewood, which would otherwise require significant investment in new infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the project's critical role in enhancing the reliability of Englewood's water supply system. As the city moves forward with this initiative, it aims to mitigate risks associated with water delivery and ensure that residents have access to safe and reliable water, even in emergencies. The board's approval of the compliance agreement marks a pivotal step in strengthening the city's water infrastructure for the future.