City of Aspen

General Information About Your Water

All municipal water, including bottled varieties, can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of certain contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Municipal Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or visit http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants.

Vulnerable Populations

Some individuals may be more susceptible to water impurities than the general public. Immunocompromised persons—such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants—could face heightened infection risks. These individuals should seek advice from their healthcare providers regarding safe water consumption.

Water Sources and Potential Contaminants

Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or through ground layers, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants 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, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides: from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Radioactive contaminants: naturally occurring or from resource extraction activities
• Organic chemical contaminants: synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems

Water Safety Regulations

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment enforces regulations that limit contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations establish similar protections for bottled water products.

Lead in Municipal Water

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health complications, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Your home may have higher lead concentrations than other residences due to plumbing materials. If concerned, consider water testing and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption after periods of non-use. Additional information is available through the Safe Municipal Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Frequently Asked Questions About Municipal Water

1. How often is Aspen's water tested for contaminants?
   The City of Aspen conducts regular testing according to EPA guidelines, with frequency varying by contaminant type.
2. What causes water hardness in Aspen?
   Water hardness results from dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, picked up as water flows through geological formations.
3. Is Aspen's tap water safe to drink?
   Yes, Aspen's municipal water meets federal safety standards, though some residents may prefer additional filtration for taste or to address specific contaminants.
4. How can I reduce contaminants in my home water?
   Home water treatment systems like reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, or water softeners can address specific water quality concerns.