Cherokee MD

General Information

All water, including bottled varieties, typically contains at least minimal amounts of certain contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health hazard. For more comprehensive information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or visit http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants.

Certain populations may have heightened sensitivity to water contaminants compared to the general public. Particularly vulnerable groups include immunocompromised individuals undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV-AIDS or other immune disorders, elderly residents, and infants. These individuals should seek guidance from healthcare providers regarding their water consumption.

Water sources—whether tap or bottled—include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land surfaces or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activity.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants: viruses and bacteria from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants: salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides: from various sources including agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Radioactive contaminants: naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining
• Organic chemical contaminants: synthetic and volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safe drinking water. Similarly, FDA regulations set limits for contaminants in bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Regarding lead in water: elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead exposure risk may vary between homes depending on plumbing materials. If concerned, consider having your water tested and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption after periods of non-use. For more information, contact the Safe Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides Source Water Assessment Reports for water supplies. Visit www.colorado.gov/cdphe/ccr under "Guidance: Source Water Assessment Reports" or search using 121125, CHEROKEE MD, or contact Jonathon Smith at 719-597-5080.

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