Denver Water Dropping Surcharges

DENVER -- Our wet spring has helped raise Denver Water's reservoir levels and that will mean an end to surcharges.

The water board decided Wednesday to phase out surcharges for excess water use, starting June 30.

The average reservoir level is now 81.2 percent, 7NEWS reported. The five-member water board had said it would drop water surcharges when reservoir levels reached an average of 80 percent.

Gross Reservoir is at 98 percent. Dillon is at 92 percent and still rising and Eleven Mile Reservoir is at 52 percent. However, Antero Reservoir remains virtually empty since it was drained last year to add water to Cheesman Reservoir after the Hayman Fire.

The water board said it will stick with the mandatory two-day-a-week watering schedule to help conserve water. If that doesn't work, the surcharges could be reinstated.

The water board sets policy for its 1.1 million customers.

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Denver Water analysts haven't determined if it's the surcharge or the restrictions that have led to a 98 million gallon per-day drop in demand, but it's clear that something is working.

During Wednesday's meeting, two board members argued to keep the surcharge as part of the permanent pricing structure.

"I think with the long-term growth we anticipate for the next 20 years we have to think in terms of elevating the consciousness of the consumer so the resource will not only be available now, but 50 years from now," board member Dan Muse said.

The extra charge has been applied since April to customers who used more than 70 percent of the amount of water they used in 2001.

Denver recently eased restrictions for newly sodded lawns, car washing and golf courses. Cities across the Front Range have also eased watering restrictions because of melting snow and spring rain.

Many also are watching Aurora's reservoirs levels. Its reservoirs were down to just 25 percent capacity in April. As of Monday, the reservoirs were at 51 percent.

However, it's not like that Aurora residents will see their restrictions lifted, said city spokeswoman Melissa Elliot.

"We're pushing our customers pretty hard, but we think if we have to sacrifice this year, we'll ultimately be in better shape next year," Elliot said.

Planners expect the reservoir system will drop to between 38 percent and 45 percent of capacity by next spring.

The city council will consider the water issue at Thursday night's regular meeting.