Lake City WTP

All municipal water, including bottled varieties, can reasonably contain small amounts of various contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or visit http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants.

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than others. This includes people with compromised immune systems such as:

• Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
• Organ transplant recipients
• Individuals with HIV/AIDS
• The elderly
• Infants and young children

These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers about their drinking water. For information about contamination and health effects, contact the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water moves across land or through soil, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Common contaminant categories include:

• Microbial contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, 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 stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Radioactive contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining
• Organic chemical contaminants: Synthetic and volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems

To ensure tap water safety, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA regulations set limits for contaminants in bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

The CDC provides vital information about water safety, including tips for protecting your household from waterborne illnesses. Their resources cover proper filtration methods, testing procedures, and guidelines for special populations. Lake City residents should reference CDC recommendations particularly during seasonal changes when water quality fluctuations may occur.