Pagosa Area WSD

We are pleased to present this year's water quality report to our community. Our ongoing mission is to provide you with safe and dependable water service. If you have questions or wish to participate in opportunities that might impact water quality, please contact JUSTIN RAMSEY at 970-731-7641.

General Information
All municipal water, including bottled varieties, may contain small amounts of certain contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or visit http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants.

Certain populations may have increased vulnerability to water contaminants, including:

• People undergoing cancer treatment
• Organ transplant recipients
• Individuals with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders
• Elderly residents
• Infants

These individuals should seek specific advice from healthcare providers. For guidelines on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants, contact the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Water Sources and Potential Contaminants
Our municipal water comes from rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and can pick up substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants: viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment, septic systems, agriculture, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants: salts and metals from urban runoff, wastewater discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides: from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Radioactive contaminants: naturally occurring or from resource extraction activities
• Organic chemicals: synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems

Colorado's Department of Public Health and Environment regulates public water systems to ensure safety. Similar regulations govern bottled water through the FDA.

Lead in Water
Elevated lead levels pose health risks, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Your home's plumbing materials may influence lead presence. If concerned, consider water testing and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water after long periods of non-use. For more information, call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Source Water Assessment
The Colorado Department of Public Health has provided a Source Water Assessment Report for our supply. Visit www.colorado.gov/cdphe/ccr under "Guidance: Source Water Assessment Reports" or contact JUSTIN RAMSEY at 970-731-7641. This assessment helps us evaluate potential contamination risks and prepare for future challenges to ensure quality water delivery to your homes.

The CDC provides vital information about safe water practices, potential health concerns related to water consumption, and guidelines for protecting yourself and your family from waterborne illnesses. Their resources cover topics from proper filtration methods to understanding water quality reports.

Water utilities like Pagosa Area WSD work in partnership with health agencies to ensure water quality meets or exceeds all federal and state standards. If you have specific health concerns about your local water supply, consulting both your water utility and health professionals is recommended.