Colorado Springs Utilities oversees one of the largest wastewater collection and treatment systems in Colorado that is regulated under a single state-issued permit. Our system includes: - Approximately 1,600 miles of pipe
- Approximately 30,000 manholes
- 14 lift stations
- Two wastewater treatment plants
As part of our environmental stewardship, we are committed to improving our system and protecting area streams. Since 2004, we have spent more than $110 million on wastewater collection system maintenance and improvements. We will invest a total of $250 million by 2025. Other accomplishments include: - The $80 million J.D. Phillips Water Reclamation facility was completed last year using state-of-the-art disinfection and odor control technology.
- Completion of the Fountain Creek Recovery Project to keep accidental spills from reaching our neighbors downstream – an investment of $10 million.
- More than 2,500 manholes in the wastewater collection system were secured with a locking mechanism to reduce the risk of vandalism.
- An upgrade of all high-risk wastewater pipe crossing major creeks.
These efforts are paying off. In 2007, we achieved our lowest level of wastewater releases of this decade. In fact, our rate of releases is significantly better than most other systems of its size. Regional collaboration
In addition to system improvements, we're partnering with other communities throughout the region to improve the condition of Fountain Creek. In cooperation with the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District, we have hired a firm to research and develop a Fountain Creek Corridor Master Plan with a vision of turning it into an amenity for the entire region to enjoy. Ongoing maintenance and education
Our wastewater collection system uses a variety of methods to minimize wastewater overflows and ensure protection of human health and the environment - We clean more than one-third of the system each year.
- We help prevent infiltration and leaks caused by root growth by treating of collection pipelines.
- Crews use closed-circuit TV to monitor the condition of the pipes.
- Utility specialists provide educate local restaurants and other businesses how grease can cause blockages in our community's system.
Partnering with you
As a user of the our community's system, there many steps you can take in your own home to help protect our waterways and reduce the changes for an overflow. Learn some simple ways you can make a difference. When it comes to wastewater inceptors, the pipes that take wastewater to the treatment plants, we've that covered. Services lines, the ones running from the interceptor or street to your home, are the homeowner's responsibility. Did you know that 98 percent of backups are caused by grease or tree roots? You can lessen your chances of a service leak or break by having your lines cleaned annually by a qualified contractor. Need help finding one? Call us at 448-4800 and we'll put you in touch with a contractor who has been pre-screened and met our Service Referral Program qualifications. | 
