Broomfield is a consolidated city and county, so permits come from its own Building Division, and it requires a permit for every water heater, even a like-for-like replacement. Its tap water blends Broomfield-treated supply with water bought from Denver Water. Plumber Denver CO is a free referral line, not a plumbing company; call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Broomfield.

Plumbing services in Broomfield
A city that is also a county
Broomfield sits along US 36 midway between Denver and Boulder, with its center about 15 miles from downtown Denver in a straight line. It incorporated as a city in 1961 and became the consolidated City and County of Broomfield in 2001, so there is no separate county building office to deal with. The 2020 Census counted 74,112 residents. FlatIron Crossing, Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, Stearns Lake and the Paul Derda Recreation Center are familiar landmarks, and US 287 runs through the city.
Two water supplies in the same pipes
Broomfield treats its own water, Colorado and Fraser river water delivered through Northern Water's Colorado-Big Thompson Project by way of Carter Lake, a 33-mile pipeline and Matthew D. Glasser Reservoir. It also buys treated water from Denver Water, and the two mix in the distribution system. The water is disinfected with chloramines, fluoridated and dosed with sodium carbonate for corrosion control. Broomfield's report lists hardness between 24 and 140 ppm, roughly 1.4 to 7.9 grains per gallon, which it calls soft to moderate. That range means the feel of the water can vary with the blend.
The municipal system serves the city and county, and few homes rely on private wells. For taste or odor questions, the water treatment facility answers at 303-464-5606.
Permits for water heaters and sewer repairs
Broomfield's Building Division is stricter than many neighbors about water heaters: every installation needs a permit, including straight replacements, and converting from a tank to a tankless unit requires a gas pipe plan, since tankless heaters usually draw more gas. Sewer line repairs also need a permit. The division can be reached at 303-438-6370 (option 5 for a plans analyst) or [email protected]. Plan the permit into any water heater emergency so the replacement can be inspected.
Backflow testing
The city and county run their cross-connection program through Backflow Solutions, Inc. Testers must hold a current backflow license and an annual gauge calibration, and they file reports on BSI Online. If your property has an assembly on a sprinkler line or other connection, the tester you hire handles that filing.
Gas, the Denver contrast and calling
Xcel Energy is the natural gas utility. A gas smell means leaving the house first, then calling 911 and Xcel at 1-800-895-2999 from outside. Inside Denver, water heater replacements are quick permits from Community Planning and Development and the water is all Denver Water; Broomfield has its own office and a blended supply. The fact sheets did not confirm housing age or the sewer provider. Call the number here and you will be connected with an independent plumber who serves Broomfield and agrees on price with you.
Common questions in Broomfield
Does a like-for-like water heater replacement need a permit in Broomfield?
What do I need to switch to a tankless water heater in Broomfield?
Where does Broomfield's water come from?
Do sewer line repairs need a permit in Broomfield?
Nearby cities and towns
Sources
- Wikipedia: Broomfield, Colorado
- City and County of Broomfield: Water quality report
- City and County of Broomfield: Drinking water and environmental lab
- City and County of Broomfield: Building
- City and County of Broomfield: Building FAQ
- City and County of Broomfield: Backflow tester requirements (PDF)
- City and County of Broomfield: Energy
- Xcel Energy: Natural gas safety (Colorado bill insert)
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