Clifton WD

All municipal water, including bottled varieties, typically contains some level of impurities. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects is available through the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or at http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants.

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than others. These include immunocompromised individuals such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and young children. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding their water consumption.

Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activity. 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 from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides: from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Radioactive contaminants: naturally occurring or from oil/gas production and mining
• Organic chemical contaminants: synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. The FDA sets similar limits for bottled water to ensure public safety.

If concerned about lead exposure, note that elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in household water often comes from plumbing materials. To reduce potential exposure after water has been sitting for several hours, run your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. For more information about lead testing and minimizing exposure, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has provided a Source Water Assessment Report for our supply. For general information or to obtain a copy, visit www.colorado.gov/cipher/car under "Guidance: Source Water Assessment Reports" or contact DALE TOOKER at 970-434-7328. This report provides a screening-level evaluation of potential contamination risks, helping us improve water treatment and plan for future hazards.

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