Ken Caryl Ranch WSD

DENVER WATER QUALITY PROGRAM

Denver Water proudly delivers high-quality municipal water to 1.4 million residents in Denver and surrounding suburbs. Since 1918, we've expertly planned and managed a complex system providing clean, safe, great-tasting water. We operate as a public agency funded through water rates and new tap fees, not taxes, making us Colorado's oldest and largest water utility.

Our service area covers more than 360 square miles, serving 25% of Colorado's population while using less than 2% of the state's total water. Environmental stewardship is central to our mission as we promote responsible water usage.

Water quality is our top priority. In 2017, we collected over 35,000 samples and conducted more than 68,500 tests to ensure water safety. Denver Water vigilantly protects mountain water supplies and thoroughly treats all water before distribution.

WATER SOURCES AND TREATMENT

Our municipal supply comes from high-quality mountain snowmelt that feeds streams, rivers, and reservoirs. Denver Water's sources are 100% surface water originating from watersheds encompassing 4,000 square miles on both sides of the Continental Divide.

Water is stored in five mountain reservoirs - Antero, Eleven Mile Canyon, Cheesman, Dillon and Gross - before delivery to treatment facilities through streams, canals and pipelines. After treatment, water flows through gravity and pumps into underground reservoirs before reaching homes and businesses via our 3,000+ mile pipeline network.

The Colorado Department of Health completed a source water assessment identifying potential contamination sources near Denver Water's reservoirs, including EPA Areas of Concern, storage tanks, waste sites, mines, industrial/transportation facilities, residential areas, and agricultural operations.

OUR FIVE-STEP TREATMENT PROCESS:

1. COAGULATION/FLOCCULATION: Raw water enters mixing basins where we add alum and polymer, causing small particles to bind together forming larger particles.
2. SEDIMENTATION: These larger particles become heavy enough to settle at the basin bottom where sediment is removed.
3. FILTRATION: Water passes through layers of fine granulated materials (sand or sand/coal combination) to remove smaller suspended particles, reducing turbidity.
4. DISINFECTION: Disinfectant is added to eliminate any remaining bacteria, viruses or microbes before water enters the distribution system. We carefully monitor disinfectant levels throughout the network.
5. CORROSION CONTROL: pH is adjusted with alkaline substances to minimize corrosion in distribution pipes and household plumbing.

HEALTH INFORMATION

All water, including bottled water, may contain at least small amounts of contaminants. This doesn't necessarily indicate health risks. Immunocompromised individuals - including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, the elderly, and infants - may be particularly vulnerable and should seek advice about drinking water from healthcare providers.

LEAD AWARENESS

Since 1992, Denver Water has tested water in at-risk homes for lead and copper contamination. Our source water, treated water, and distribution system water contain no detectable lead and only trace copper amounts. Lead typically enters water through household plumbing materials.

Softened water can be more aggressive toward plumbing. Homes built before 1951 may have lead service lines connecting to the main water line. Those built before 1987 may contain lead solder in their plumbing (banned after 1986).

To reduce potential lead exposure, flush your tap for up to two minutes after water has been sitting for several hours. If concerned, consider water testing. More information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

CRYPTOSPORIDIUM AND GIARDIA MONITORING

Denver Water has tested for Cryptosporidium and Giardia in both raw and treated water since the 1980s, finding no viable indicators in treated water. These microscopic organisms can cause gastrointestinal symptoms when ingested, with more serious effects possible for immunocompromised individuals.

These organisms enter waterways through animal waste in the watershed. Our treatment processes remove Cryptosporidium through effective filtration, while Giardia is eliminated through both filtration and disinfection.

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