City of Lafayette

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) provides all public water systems with a Source Water Assessment Report (SWAP). This screening-level evaluation helps identify potential contamination risks, though it doesn't indicate that contamination has or will occur. It assists in evaluating water treatment capabilities and preparing for possible risks.

For general information or to obtain a report copy, visit http://wqcdcompliance.com/ccr. Under "Source Water Assessment Reports" and "Assessment Report by County," select BOULDER County and locate 107473; LAFAYETTE CITY OF.

Water sources for both tap and bottled water include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water moves across land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities. These contaminants include:

• MICROBIAL CONTAMINANTS: viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS: salts and metals occurring naturally or from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• NITROGEN-LADEN HERBICIDES: from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• ORGANIC CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS: synthetic and volatile organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINANTS: naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

After treatment, both tap and bottled water reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. This doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or visit http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants.

The CDPHE establishes regulations limiting contaminant amounts in public water systems. The FDA sets similar limits for bottled water to provide equal public health protection. Some individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants than the general population, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly persons, and infants. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers.

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in home water may come from plumbing materials. If concerned, consider water testing and flushing taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water after it has been sitting.

Lafayette routinely monitors for contaminants according to Federal and State laws. The following tables show all detections from January-December 2017, unless otherwise noted. Some monitoring occurs less than annually since concentrations of certain contaminants aren't expected to vary significantly year-to-year.

1. How often is Lafayette water tested? Lafayette's municipal water undergoes rigorous testing multiple times per month in accordance with EPA standards.
2. What causes water hardness in Lafayette? The high mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium, comes from natural geological formations that water passes through before collection.
3. Should I use a water filter in Lafayette? While the municipal supply meets safety standards, home filtration can address aesthetic concerns like taste, odor, and hardness.
4. How can I request a water quality test? Contact the City of Lafayette utilities department directly to inquire about residential water quality testing options.