City of Northglenn

General Information

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

Vulnerable Populations

Certain individuals may be particularly vulnerable to water contaminants, including:

• People undergoing chemotherapy
• Organ transplant recipients
• Individuals with HIV/AIDS
• People with compromised immune systems
• Elderly residents
• Infants

These groups should seek specific advice from healthcare providers regarding their water consumption.

Water Sources and 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 can pick up substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants: Salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides: From agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential use
• Radioactive contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining
• Organic chemicals: Synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems

Lead in Water

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health concerns, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in home water supplies often comes from plumbing materials. If concerned, you can reduce potential exposure by running your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking, especially after water has been sitting for several hours. For testing information and exposure reduction strategies, contact the Safe Municipal Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Northglenn's Water Supply

Northglenn's water begins as snowmelt and rainwater in the Clear Creek Watershed. It travels downstream through canals and ditches to Standley Lake for storage until treatment. Water quality monitoring occurs at each stage from Clear Creek to Standley Lake, throughout treatment, and within the distribution system that delivers to your home.

Stormwater Management

Northglenn's Stormwater Management Program aims to reduce pollutants entering waterways. Oil, vehicle fluids, construction soil runoff, and other debris wash into our water sources during storms. You can help prevent pollution by properly maintaining vehicles, cleaning up after pets, and limiting fertilizer and chemical use in yards. For more information on preventing stormwater pollution, visit www.northglenn.org or call (303) 450-8792.

Water Conservation Tips

• Water lawns just twice weekly, especially during drought periods
• Water between 6-10 a.m., breaking watering time into 2-3 shorter cycles
• Regularly inspect pipes, hoses, valves, and fixtures for leaks
• Use a bucket when washing vehicles and a shutoff nozzle on hoses
• Sweep rather than hose off sidewalks, garages, and driveways
• Choose drought-tolerant plants for landscaping (xeriscaping)
• Apply mulch to reduce garden evaporation
• Set lawnmowers higher - longer grass means less evaporation
• Reduce watering in spring and fall when needs are lower

Visit www.northglenn.org or call 303-450-4045 for more conservation and xeriscaping information.

.. ...