Drones Help Denver Public Works Monitor Rising Water Levels

DENVER (CBS4)- Denver Public Works is using drones to help keep an eye on the rising water levels in local waterways and reservoirs.

The drone will monitor the levels and send back images to engineers who can detect erosion and inspect inlet and outlet structures.

The drone flies over local rivers, dams, lakes and retention ponds that all are under the jurisdiction of Denver Public Works. It flew over Kelly Road Dam on Friday afternoon as rain and severe storms passed over the area.

Denver Public Works said the new technology makes inspections safer for employees.

"Normally I'd have to be standing in the water, in hip waders, to get the camera view I can get with this. Because I can hover over the water and that I can't do when I'm standing on my feet," said Denver Public Works Wastewater Engineer Kevin Lewis.

Denver Public Works is required to inspect its waterways annually. The drones will also be used for those inspections.