Materials and service line separation.
Denver Revised Municipal Code § 56-45
in effectSec. 56-45. - Materials and service line separation.
(a) Separate trenches. Except as permitted in subsection (b), the underground water service pipe and the building sewer shall be not less than ten (10) feet apart horizontally and shall be separated by undisturbed or compacted earth. Sewer pipe material shall be of a type approved for such use by the manager of transportation and infrastructure. Joints shall be tight and rootproof.
(b) One (1) trench. Where approved by the board of water commissioners, the water service pipe may be placed in the same trench with the building sewer, provided the following conditions are met:
(1) The bottom of the water service pipe shall be at least eighteen (18) inches from the top of the sewer line at all points.
(2) The water service pipe shall be placed on a solid shelf excavated at one (1) side of the common trench.
(3) The materials and joints of the sewer and water service pipes shall possess the strength and durability necessary to prevent the escape of solids, liquids and gases therefrom, under all known adverse conditions such as corrosion, strains due to settlement, temperature changes and vibration.
When installed in the same trench with the water service pipe, the sewer shall be constructed using durable materials which are corrosion-resistant and shall be so installed as to remain watertight and be rootproof. Sewer pipe material shall be of a type approved for such use by the manager of transportation and infrastructure.
(Code 1950, § 338.15; Ord. No. 78-87, § 4, 2-9-87; Ord. No. 39-20, § 226, 2-3-20)
Source: City and County of Denver, Revised Municipal Code and Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/co/denver/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIREMUCO_CH56UT_ARTIIISE_DIV2PRBUSE_SDIINGE_S56-45MASELISEFetched: 10/27/2026