Evaluating the Impact of Denver Water’s Conservation Programs

Understanding the effectiveness of conservation investments

Between 1994 and 2024, Denver Water customers significantly reduced their water use—total treated deliveries declined by 11% even as the population grew by 25%, with per capita consumption dropping 56%. This shift reflects a combination of factors, including denser development, regulatory changes, weather variability, and conservation initiatives led by Denver Water. 

To inform future planning and investment decisions, Denver Water sought to understand the specific impact of its conservation programs—including its long-running “Use Only What You Need” campaign—on customer behavior and overall water savings.

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Economic modeling isolated the effect of conservation spending on water use reductions

One Water Econ partnered with Denver Water to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of its conservation programs. The study quantified water use reductions across customer classes and used regression modeling to isolate the impact of conservation initiatives—including rebates for efficient fixtures, outdoor water use programs, and the “Use Only What You Need” campaign.

The study confirmed that Denver Water’s investments in conservation programs significantly contributed to reductions in overall use. From 2000 to 2023, cumulative conservation efforts saved an estimated 320 billion gallons—approximately 41,000 acre-feet per year, accounting for 70% of total reductions. Econometric analysis showed that each 1% increase in cumulative conservation spending was associated with a 1.03% decrease in water use. Findings affirm the effectiveness of Denver Water’s investments and provide a data-driven foundation for future planning, outreach, and rate design.