City of Montrose

Project 7 is required by state regulations to monitor certain substances less frequently than annually since their concentrations typically remain stable year over year, or when the system isn't considered vulnerable to specific contamination types. Some data (like lead/copper testing) remains valid for several years despite its age.

Municipal water originates from various natural sources including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water flows across land surfaces or through soil layers, it naturally dissolves minerals and sometimes radioactive materials. It may also pick up substances from animal or human activities.

While all water contains small amounts of various substances, their presence doesn't automatically indicate a health risk. For further information, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Source water may contain several categories of contaminants:

1. Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
2. Inorganic contaminants including salts and metals, whether naturally occurring or from urban runoff, wastewater discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
3. Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban drainage, and residential usage
4. Organic chemical contaminants, both synthetic and volatile, resulting from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
5. Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from energy production and mining activities

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safe drinking water. FDA regulations establish similar protective standards for bottled water products.

The CDC provides important guidance on water safety, including recommendations for immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and households with young children. They offer practical advice for maintaining water quality within your home plumbing system and addressing potential contamination issues.