Pueblo West MD

General Information

Every municipal water supply, including bottled water, might contain at least small amounts of certain contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Municipal Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or visit http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants.

Vulnerable Populations

Some individuals may be more susceptible to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and infants can face increased infection risks. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers about their municipal water consumption.

Water Sources and Contamination

Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals, sometimes including radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity. Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants: viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants: salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil and gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides: from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• 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, urban runoff, and septic systems

Safety Regulations

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

Lead in Municipal Water

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in your home's water may come from plumbing materials. If concerned, you can minimize exposure by running your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking, especially after periods of non-use. For information on testing methods and exposure reduction, call the Safe Municipal Water Hotline or visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Source Water Assessment

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has provided a Source Water Assessment Report for our supply. For general information or to obtain a copy, visit www.colorado.gov/cdphe/ccr under "Guidance: Source Water Assessment Reports" or search using 151650, PUEBLO WEST MD, or contact SCOTT EILERT at 719-547-5044.

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