Department Mission

The Utilities Department provides water, wastewater, stormwater and flood management services to protect human and environmental health through efficient management of fiscal and natural resources.

What We Do

The Utilities Department's functions include water treatment and distribution, water resources and hydroelectric management, wastewater collection and treatment, stormwater collection and conveyance, water quality protection and enhancement, construction and maintenance and infrastructure planning.

  • Utilities Engineering protects public health and the economic vitality of our city through quality utility system management. This team provides planning, public engagement, project management, engineering, construction, and asset management for water, wastewater, and stormwater/flood management infrastructure.
  • Utilities Maintenance operates, maintains and provides emergency response for the water distribution, wastewater collection, flood control facilities and stormwater conveyance systems of the city. This workgroup also performs all water meter reading, maintenance, and repair along with all underground utility locates. The Safe and Managed Public Spaces team handles public space reclamation for all utility corridors including Boulder Creek and adjacent properties.
  • Water Resources manages the city’s municipal raw water supplies and hydroelectric facilities. This group manages the diversion, storage, and delivery of raw water and completes water rights accounting. This workgroup also manages the water conservation program, leasing of raw water supplies to agricultural users, protects the city’s water rights in water court proceedings, acts as a liaison with ditch companies, and manages the instream flow program for Boulder Creek.
  • Water Treatment operates and maintains the two water treatment plants responsible for providing the Boulder community with potable water for public health and fire response. This team is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations including the Safe Drinking Water Act.
  • Wastewater Treatment is responsible for protection of environmental quality and public health through safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). The WRRF and associated operations are managed in accordance with federal and state regulations, including the Clean Water Act.
  • Water Quality serves as a technical resource and provides regulatory support for Utilities and other city departments. Services include implementation of and support for regulatory permits, monitoring to meet regulations, evaluating performance of wastewater and drinking water treatment processes, and implementation of programs to protect public and environmental health, including the city’s source water and stormwater systems. The group also provides project management services in support of integrating water quality enhancement and regulatory compliance into the city’s capital projects.