Water Reclamation#
Fort Collins Utilities provides wastewater reclamation services for Fort Collins through the operation of our two facilities on Drake and Mulberry. Together, these facilities have a treatment capacity of 29 million gallons per day. Our advanced operations, leadership and values of operational excellence and a culture of innovation allow us to return treated water to our community that exceeds public and environmental health regulatory criteria.
The water reclamation facilities, staffed by state-certified operators, use an array of physical, biological and chemical processes to treat wastewater. The facilities discharge to the Cache la Poudre River and Fossil Creek Irrigation Ditch. The removed solids in the treatment process are digested to meet strict state and federal standards for organic and pathogen removal. Generated Class B biosolids are dewatered and applied as a beneficial soil amendment at Meadow Springs Ranch.
Platinum Peak Performance Award
Both the Drake and Mulberry facilities have been awarded the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) Platinum Peak Performance Seven Award. This recognition is the result of our collective efforts to ensure we are providing the best wastewater treatment to our community. Both facilities have achieved 100% NPDES permit compliance for seven straight years.
Water Reclamation Facilities' History#
Learn more about the history of our water reclamation facilities and the improvements that have been made since the facilities came online.
Did You Know?
Visual indicators of algal blooms in waterbodies often include: surface scum, foam, floating algae mats, off-colors and/or the presence of dead fish.
There are 13 stormwater basins within the City of Fort Collins Growth Management Area, each with their own master plan.
You can save water when washing smaller loads by selecting the setting for the corresponding water level.