Denver is one of a handful of cities nationwide honored by the Environmental Protection Agency this week for its work to reduce water use and to use recycled water for such things as power plant cooling and irrigating park lands.

Denver Water, which serves 1.2 million customers in the metro area, was recognized along with the city for seeking ways to make Colorado's water supplies go farther.

"Denver Water is setting a national example," said Ben Grumbles, assistant administrator for water at the Environmental Protection Agency.

The giant utility, which operates independently of the city, was also credited for partnering with city government to help rehabilitate the aging sprinkler systems that water city parks.

As part of a new program, the utility also will join forces with the EPA to promote "Watersense," a program that identifies conservation friendly lawn sprinklers, dishwashers and toilets.

For more information visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/