Colorado Springs Water Treatment

What Are the Known Water Quality Issues in Colorado?

A variety of factors can impact residential Colorado water supplies. Some of these potential dangers are naturally occurring, while others are manmade.

One of the most pressing water quality problems is related to the presence of heavy metals, particularly lead and arsenic, in the water supply. These contaminants often originate from natural deposits as well as human activities like mining, especially in areas with historical mining operations. Old infrastructure with aging lead pipes can further exacerbate the problem, leaching lead into the water and posing significant health risks, particularly for young children. State authorities continue to monitor and work to address these contaminants, but the persistence of heavy metals in some areas remains a concern for residents who rely on well water or live in older housing developments.

Another significant concern in Colorado is agricultural runoff, which can introduce nitrates and pesticides into surface and groundwater sources. Both of these contaminants can pose serious health risks. 

Additionally, urban runoff is a growing problem in Colorado's rapidly expanding urban areas. As cities grow, the increase in impervious surfaces like roads and parking lots leads to greater volumes of polluted stormwater entering water bodies untreated. This runoff can carry oils, metals, and other contaminants from urban environments into rivers and lakes, affecting both ecosystem health and potable water sources.

These are just a few of the potential sources of water contamination in Colorado. The bottom line: You should not assume your water supply is free from impurities. Our team at Awesome Home Services can test your home’s water and advise what treatment solutions may be necessary. 

What Contaminants Are Most Common in Colorado Water?

Some contaminants may not immediately discolor water or affect its taste, making them effectively invisible without specialized testing. This means you could be unknowingly consuming compromised water, which can eventually lead to serious long-term health consequences. Our Colorado Springs water treatment professionals are familiar with the contaminants that can impact local water supplies and know what to look for when evaluating a household’s water quality. 

Some of the most common contaminants that can be found in residential Colorado water supplies include:

• Lead. Lead, typically leaching from aging plumbing materials, poses significant neurological risks, particularly to young children, potentially leading to developmental delays and behavioral issues. 
• Arsenic. Often derived from natural deposits and exacerbated by past mining activities, arsenic can cause cancers and skin lesions with prolonged exposure.
• Nitrates. Found predominantly in agricultural regions, nitrates originate from fertilizers and can seep into both surface and groundwater sources. High levels of nitrates in drinking water pose a significant threat to infants, leading to conditions like "blue baby syndrome," which impairs the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
• Pesticides. Agriculture is a prominent industry in Colorado. Consequently, pesticides are frequently used to protect crops but can inadvertently enter water supplies through runoff. The consumption of water contaminated with pesticides has been linked to various long-term health risks, including endocrine disruption and increased cancer risk.
• Pathogenic microorganisms. Although water treatment processes aim to eliminate pathogens, outbreaks of waterborne diseases due to bacteria, viruses, and protozoa remain a concern. Contaminated water supplies can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and, in severe cases, life-threatening infections.
• Industrial chemicals. Industrial activities contribute to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants in water sources. These chemicals can be toxic and are known carcinogens, posing a risk to human health through cumulative exposure.