Montezuma WC

Water Quality Report for Montezuma WC

We're pleased to provide this year's Annual Water Quality Report. This document informs you about the quality of water and services that Montezuma Water Company delivers daily. Our primary goal remains providing you with safe, reliable municipal water.

MWC utilizes two water sources:

• McPhee Reservoir
• Lost Canyon Wells (Well #2: 185', Well #3: 195', and Well #7: 109'), which draw from the Lost Canyon Streambed Aquifer

For questions about this report or our services, please contact Steve Bowman, Business Manager at (970) 882-2226 or Conrad Hover, Plant Superintendent at (970) 882-7480. MWC periodically sends newsletters to keep members informed on various issues.

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general public. All water, including bottled varieties, naturally contains at least trace amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. Immunocompromised individuals such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly persons, and infants may be particularly susceptible to infections and should seek advice about municipal water from healthcare providers.

For further information about contaminants and potential health effects, or to receive EPA and CDC guidelines on appropriate measures to reduce infection risk from cryptosporidium and microbiological contaminants, contact the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Important Health Information:

• Nitrate levels above 10 ppm pose health risks for infants under six months. High nitrate can cause blue baby syndrome. If caring for an infant and detected nitrate levels exceed 5 ppm, consult your healthcare provider.
• While our water meets EPA's arsenic standards, it contains low levels of this mineral. EPA balances health risk knowledge against removal costs, and continues researching low-level arsenic effects, which at high concentrations can cause cancer and is linked to skin damage and circulatory issues.
• Young children are typically more susceptible to lead exposure. Lead levels may vary between homes due to plumbing materials. If concerned, flush taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water.

Montezuma Water Company routinely monitors constituents in your municipal water according to Federal and State regulations. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has completed a source water assessment as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act and Colorado's Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) program.

The Surface Water Supply received a Moderately High susceptibility rating, while the Ground Water Source received a Moderate rating. The greatest contamination risks come from storage tanks, wastewater discharge sites, mining operations, industrial/transportation corridors, residential areas, recreational spaces, agricultural lands, forests, and septic systems.

Our Board of Directors meets monthly on the second Tuesday at the Dolores Community Center (400 Riverside Ave, Dolores, CO 81323). Call 882-2226 for meeting times. Water Quality reports are available at our office (28024 Rd T, Dolores) and on our website www.montezumawater.org.

1. How often is Montezuma WC water tested?

   Water is tested regularly according to EPA and state guidelines, with comprehensive reports published annually.

2. What causes water hardness in Montezuma County?

   Mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium, naturally present in the source water contributes to hardness levels.

3. Are home water filters necessary?

   While municipal water meets safety standards, home filtration can address taste preferences and provide additional peace of mind.

4. How can I report water quality concerns?

   Contact Montezuma WC directly at 970-759-2272 to report any unusual taste, odor, or appearance in your water.