Wastewater Management

The Wastewater Management Division, part of the City and County of Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, maintains more than 1,500 miles of sanitary sewer and more than 800 miles of storm drainage underground lines and pipes.

Wastewater refers to any water that has become contaminated by human influence and is broken into two groups: sewage and stormwater, which are managed through separate systems in Denver.

  • Sewage and Sanitary Sewer System: Sewage comes from homes and businesses, commercial properties and public institutions, and is the wastewater generated from bathrooms and kitchens. Sewage runs through the sanitary sewer system and is treated in Denver's sewage treatment facilities through a variety of biological and chemical processes and rendered safe before it's returned to the environment. 
  • Stormwater and Drainage: Stormwater is generated by water (from storm events or other sources) running across the surface of impervious surfaces, such as streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and roof tops where it picks up contaminants such as oil residue from cars, litter, and debris. Stormwater runs through Denver's storm drain system, where it is naturally treated and the water is reclaimed by the ecosystem.

 

Quick Links

Wastewater Customer Service and Support

Assistance with sanitary sewer charges, billed in combination with Denver Water, and storm drainage charges calculated annually and billed in semi-annual installments.

DOTI Infrastructure Build – Wastewater Resources

Documents and resources from DOTI's Wastewater Management, for development, design and construction.

Green Infrastructure

Denver's green infrastructure strategies target multiple pollutants while also enhancing our communities with benefits such as increased open space, improved air quality and connectivity.

Wastewater Questions and Answers

Questions about your sewer services, billing, or maintenance?

Stormwater

Stormwater safely and efficiently drains through an infrastructure system operated by the City and County of Denver. The City’s stormwater system is completely separate from the sanitary sewer system.

2025 Storm Drainage Master Plan

The City and County of Denver Storm Drainage Master Plan (SDMP) evaluates Denver’s existing urban flood risk and provides recommendations for future capital improvements to reduce flood damages and increase safety.

2023 Sanitary Sewer Master Plan

The City and County of Denver Sanitary Sewer Master Plan (SSMP) is a living document that evaluates Denver’s sanitary sewer capacity and level of service. It provides guidance on capacity improvement needs to maintain an appropriate level of service to residents and businesses and support the growth in the City.

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