Elk Grove Water Service

Several wells in Service Areas 1 and 2 undergo treatment to remove iron, manganese, and other impurities. These treatment processes also effectively reduce levels of related substances like barium. It's important to note that some data in this report reflects pre-treatment well water quality, meaning your actual tap water may contain lower levels of certain contaminants after processing.

Resource water assessments have been completed for all EGWD water sources to identify potential contamination risks. The EGWD groundwater resources underwent assessments in 2003 and 2009, while SCWA groundwater sources were evaluated in 2008. These comprehensive assessments followed State Board guidelines, and complete reports are available for review at respective company offices.

Testing of local groundwater wells by EGWD and SCWA revealed no contaminants linked to specific activities. However, the wells are considered vulnerable to potential contamination from various sources including: gas stations, boat services, chemical pipelines, dry cleaners, electronic manufacturing facilities, transportation terminals, historic landfills, leaking storage tanks, agricultural operations, pesticide storage areas, research facilities, and sewer systems.

SCWA also analyzed the Sacramento surface water supply, finding it potentially vulnerable to recreational activities, illegal dumping, stormwater runoff, industrial discharges, and underground storage tanks. All source water undergoes standard filtration and disinfection designed to remove contaminants. Service Area 2 receives fluoridated water from SCWA, maintained at optimal levels (0.6 mg/L with a control range of 0.6-1.2 mg/L) as recommended by the CDC.

1. Is tap water safe to drink? Yes! Consolidated Mutual Water Company's water meets all regulatory standards. Colorado's Department of Public Health and Environment and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency establish these regulations. Our certified, knowledgeable staff work year-round, 24 hours daily to ensure safe, quality water delivery to your tap.
2. Where does my water come from? The Maple Grove service area receives water from multiple sources. About 90% comes primarily from Clear Creek, with Lena Gulch, Coal Creek and raw water from Gross Reservoir comprising the remaining 10%. The Denver Water service area draws from watersheds covering over 3,100 square miles on both sides of the Continental Divide, transporting water from the Colorado, Fraser and South Platte Rivers.
3. Why does my water sometimes smell or taste unusual? Water can acquire odors or tastes from new plumbing or after sitting unused for extended periods. Most commonly, taste and odor events occur seasonally during algae or aquatic plant blooms. While treatment removes the algae, some odors may persist. These taste and odor changes aren't harmful, though we take steps to address them.
4. Why is my water occasionally discolored? Discoloration typically results from water picking up rust from aging pipes. While NOT harmful, it affects water aesthetics. Persistent discoloration may indicate sediment buildup requiring service line cleaning.
5. Why does my water appear cloudy? Air pockets created by siphon action when closing the tap create small bubbles causing cloudy appearance. These air bubbles naturally dissolve within minutes.
6. What chemicals are added to the water? Initially, chlorine dioxide removes taste, odors and dissolved metals. When needed, powdered activated carbon addresses stronger taste/odor issues, and potassium permanganate helps with manganese. Then poly aluminum sulfate binds with particles and organic carbon for removal during sedimentation. After filtration, free chlorine protects against harmful microorganisms. If needed, sodium hydroxide adjusts pH for corrosion control. Finally, ammonium sulfate converts free chlorine to longer-lasting chloramines, preventing pool-like odors.
7. Do I need a water filter? Your tap water is safe to drink. Consider a filter only if you have internal plumbing concerns.
8. Are there special considerations for fish tanks? Yes, always use a dechlorinating agent to remove chloramine. These products are available at pet stores.
9. Is there lead in my water? Consolidated Mutual Water Company's treated and source water contains no lead. Lead may exist in customer plumbing, particularly in pre-WWII homes with lead service lines/pipes or homes built 1982-1987 using copper pipe with lead-based solder.
10. Should I worry about radon in water? No, Consolidated Mutual Water Company uses only surface water from reservoirs and streams with no radon presence.
11. Can toxic spills contaminate my municipal water? Highly unlikely, as our water treatment system is a closed filtration process.
12. What are Cryptosporidium and Giardia? These microorganisms can affect health if present in municipal water. While they exist in source waters, effective filtration and chlorination during treatment eliminate health risks from these organisms.
13. Can I drink hot tap water? No, avoid using hot tap water for food or beverages. Hot water systems contain metal parts that corrode over time and contaminate the water. Use cold water and heat it separately.