City of Arvada

Watershed Protection and Water Quality

A watershed functions like a natural collection basin, bordered by ridges and elevated terrain that guide water flow downward toward valley rivers. This gravitational movement carries not only water but also the impacts of human activities throughout the watershed area.

Protecting our watershed begins with our Source Water Assessment Plan (SWAP). The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides comprehensive reports on our water supply, available at www.co.gov/cipher/car under "Guidance Source Water Assessment Reports." You can access specific information using code 130001 for Arvada City, or by contacting the municipal offices at 720.898.7802.

Potential Contamination Sources

The source water assessment identifies potential contamination risks but doesn't indicate actual contamination. We use this data to enhance water treatment capabilities and prepare for future challenges. Potential contamination sources in our area include:

• EPA-registered sites
• Permitted wastewater discharge locations
• Storage tanks and mining operations
• Various land use activities

Water Sources and Potential Contaminants

Our municipal water comes from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and can pick up substances from human and animal activity. Possible contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage systems, agriculture, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from urban runoff and industrial processes
• Organic chemical compounds from industrial processes and petroleum production
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture and residential use
• Radioactive materials that occur naturally or from resource extraction

Stormwater Protection

The greatest threat to our local water quality comes from stormwater pollution. During rain or snowmelt, water flowing from residential areas, commercial zones, and construction sites carries pollutants into storm drains, which discharge untreated into local waterways. Simple actions like proper waste disposal, picking up after pets, and keeping fertilizers away from runoff areas significantly improve water quality.

Water Treatment Facilities

Our State Certified Water Plant Operators conduct over 98,764 quality tests annually, continuously monitor water parameters, and make necessary treatment adjustments to ensure safe drinking water throughout the distribution system. Both the Ralston and Arvada/Blunn Water Treatment Plants serve as our first line of defense for water quality, producing 5.7 million gallons of clean, potable water daily that meets or exceeds all regulatory standards.

Water Conservation Tips

While water seems abundant, less than 1% of Earth's water is usable for consumption. Small changes in water usage can make a significant impact on conservation. Nearly half of single-family water consumption occurs outdoors through inefficient irrigation. To conserve water:

• Avoid watering between 10am and 6pm
• Regularly inspect irrigation systems for leaks
• Adjust watering schedules during wet weather
• Monitor and adjust systems rather than "setting and forgetting"

For more water conservation information and program details, visit www.Arvada.org.

1. What should I do during a service interruption? Contact your municipal water provider immediately. Interruptions may result from main breaks, scheduled maintenance, increased demand from firefighting, or frozen pipes.
2. Why do municipal workers flush fire hydrants? Regular system flushing removes mineral buildup and sediment from pipes and ensures proper water circulation throughout the distribution network.
3. Why is there sediment in my water? Sand or dirt can appear naturally in surface water or following pipeline repairs. Regular system flushing helps minimize sediment by increasing water flow through the lines and removing accumulated particles.
4. What causes cloudy or milky-looking water? This appearance typically results from harmless air bubbles in the water. If you let the water stand briefly, the air will dissipate and the water will clear. If cloudiness persists, contact your water provider.
5. What causes odors in hot water? The most frequent source of hot water odors is the water heater itself. If your cold water smells fine, check your water heater temperature settings and maintenance schedule.
6. What payment methods are accepted? Most utilities accept checks, money orders, cash, and major credit cards (excluding American Express in some cases). Many offer automatic bank draft payment options - contact your provider for details.
7. How do I report water main leaks? Contact your municipal water provider even if you're unsure who maintains the line. They can determine ownership and forward information to the appropriate authority if needed.