Our Municipal Water System Has Power

by Eva June (Heinrich) Busse, City of Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Power '87

Abstract:

Hydroelectric potential exists in the Boulder, Colorado municipal water system. Excess pressure is developed in the water system because the water originates in the Rocky Mountains, west of Boulder at an altitude of approximately 9800 feet (2987. 04 meters) and is delivered to the city at 5200 feet (1584. 96 meters). Excess pressure in the municipal water system is wasted at numerous points throughout the transmission system. The PURPA law provided a means for the City to utilize the energy by installing hydroelectric equipment and selling the power generated to Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo). The City is installing six hydroelectric projects in the municipal water transmission system to recover energy that was previously wasted in providing water to the citizens. These hydroelectric projects are installed at points throughout the system to reduce the pressure as required by the municipal water system.

Subject Headings: Municipal water | Hydro power | Water pressure | Water supply systems | Water supply | Power transmission | Power plants | Colorado | United States | Rocky Mountains

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