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Denver using UV rays to 'zap' E-Coli from water supply

Posted at 10:13 PM, Mar 06, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-07 00:46:12-05

DENVER — The City of Denver is working on meeting its 2020 water quality goals by using new technology. 

Because of the city’s industrial history, lakes and creeks in the area tend to test high for E-Coli. 

City officials want to get rid of high E-coli levels to allow residents the opportunity to enjoy the waters without getting sick. 

They’ve installed two different projects that will halt the reproduction of E-coli into the water. 

The UV vault recently installed at 36th Avenue & Arkins Court in the RiNo district is helping Denver meet its 2020 Sustainability Goal to improve water quality.  

Here’s how it works:

  • The stormwater runoff flows from the street into an inlet.
  • Once the water is in the sewer, it is directed into a storm pipe.
  • That pipe then takes the water to the vault.
  • Once inside the vault, the water is directed into a different pipe, which has UV lights built inside of it.
  • The UV lights then “zap” any E. coli in the water, preventing them from reproducing.
  • The treated water is then taken to the South Platte River.

So far, the city has been able to remove tens of thousands of E. coli from stormwater runoff in Rhino.