Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Longmont?
Yes, Longmont's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Longmont has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Longmont's water utility, City of Longmont, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the City of Longmont water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Longmont Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Longmont tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Longmont's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Longmont Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named City of Longmont for Longmont in Colorado. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
Is there Lead in Longmont Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Longmont water system, City of Longmont, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0012 mg/L of lead in Longmont water. This is 8.0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Longmont contained more lead.
While Longmont water testing may have found 0.0012 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Longmont Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Lowry Air Force Base - near Longmont with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Longmont has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
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| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
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| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
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| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
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| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
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For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Longmont Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Phone: | 303-774-3709 |
| By Email: | bob.allen@longmontcolorado.gov |
| By Mail: | 375 AIRPORT LONGMONT, CO, 80503 |
Existing customers can login to their City of Longmont account to pay their Longmont water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your City of Longmont bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Longmont water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Longmont water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Longmont means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Longmont. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Longmont means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Longmont. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$1.41 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Longmont, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Longmont Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Longmont's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
PWS ID CO0107485
2020 LONGMONT
DRINKING WATER
QUALITY REPORT
YOUR WATER!
The City of Longmont is pleased to present the 2020 Drinking Water Quality Report. Inside you will find information about Longmont’s drinking water and results of the most recent tests that were done on the drinking water.
The City of Longmont is proud to report we did not have any drinking water violations last year.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE:
Preserve the natural environment in our watershed and provide a reliable, high quality water supply that protects public health.
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Where Longmont Gets Its Water
What’s in the Water Before Treatment?
What about Longmont’s Water?
How is the Water Treated?
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Bottled Water, Health Concerns, and Lead
in Drinking Water
What is in
Your Tap Water?
Test Results
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Get More Information
Longmont Water Fast Facts
Properly Disposing of Waste
If you prefer to receive this report in printed format, please call
W H E R E L O N G M O N T
GETS ITS WATER
The City of Longmont’s drinking water is all surface water that comes from streams, lakes and reservoirs that are fed by snowmelt and rainfall. The sources of Longmont’s drinking water are:
The St. Vrain Creek watershed includes North and South St. Vrain Creeks, and St. Vrain Creek. The North St. Vrain Creek watershed includes wilderness areas and portions of Rocky Mountain National Park. Ralph Price Reservoir is used to store water from North St. Vrain Creek. The South St. Vrain Creek watershed extends into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The North and South forks combine to form St. Vrain Creek near the town of Lyons. The Highland Ditch is used to convey water from the St. Vrain for treatment. During this reporting year, 34% of Longmont’s water came from North St. Vrain Creek and St. Vrain Creek. Water from St. Vrain Creek below the Town of Lyons is conveyed to Burch Lake by the Palmerton
Ditch. Burch Lake was not used during this reporting year.
The sources, reservoirs and plants are shown on the map below.
flows through the Adams Tunnel and is delivered to Longmont through Carter Lake via the St. Vrain Supply Canal and Southern Water Supply Pipeline. During this reporting year, 66% of Longmont’s water came from
These water sources were treated at the City’s
Longmont’s
Watershed
Map
The Colorado and Fraser Rivers in Grand County. These sources are delivered to Longmont via the
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1
Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report
W H AT ’ S I N T H E W AT E R
BEFORE TREATMENT?
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.
Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are
Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report |
2 |
W H AT A B O U T
LONGMONT’S WATER?
Longmont is fortunate to have high quality water sources that originate in mountain watersheds. The North St. Vrain Creek watershed is mainly wilderness and is affected only by naturally occurring elements. Water from the South St. Vrain Creek may be impacted by runoff from abandoned mines. The watersheds that feed the
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by Longmont and other public water systems. The City’s treatment plants reduce any contaminants in the source waters to levels that meet, and usually surpass, all Federal and State requirements.
A Source Water Assessment Report for the City of Longmont has been prepared by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). A copy of the report can be obtained by calling
occur. The assessment results are provided as a starting point for public water systems to evaluate potential contaminant risks.
The City collects and tests samples of water throughout the watershed as part of its watershed monitoring program. Monitoring locations include reservoirs,
St. Vrain Creek and major tributaries. The watershed monitoring program provides important information on Longmont’s drinking water sources and assesses the quality of water throughout the watershed. Information on the water sources and upper watershed can be used to help with the operation of the City’s water treatment plants to maintain our high quality drinking water. Longmont is also participating in watershed monitoring that is being coordinated by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD) to evaluate test methods and levels of emerging contaminants such
as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, hormones, etc. in our drinking water sources. More information on the NCWCD study can be obtained from NCWCD at http://www.northernwater.org.
3
Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report
H O W I S T H E
WATER TREATED?
Last year, Longmont treated an average of 24 MGD in the summer and 8 MGD during the winter months.
Steps Involved in Water Treatment
1 Coagulation — Aluminum salts and chemicals called polymers are mixed with the water to make the particles in the water stick together.
- Flocculation — The coagulated particles are slowly mixed so that they can collide and form larger particles, known as “floc.”
- Sedimentation — Water flows through a large tank which allows the “floc” to settle to the bottom of the tank and be removed.
- Filtration — Water is passed through filters made of sand and anthracite coal to filter out remaining particles.
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Disinfection — Chlorine is added to kill
any remaining bacteria or otherdisease-causing organisms. - Fluoridation — Fluoride is added to help prevent tooth decay.
- Stabilization — Small amounts of soda ash (sodium carbonate) or sodium hydroxide are added to make the water less corrosive to pipes and plumbing.
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5 6 7
Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report
4
WHAT ABOUT BOTTLED WATER?
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by Longmont and other public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limits are intended to provide consumers of bottled water with the same protection for public health as other sources of drinking water. However, the regulations and testing requirements for contaminants in bottled water are much less stringent than for tap water.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline
Another source of information is the Natural Resources Defense Council, which has tested many brands of bottled water. The results of those tests are available on the internet at https://www.nrdc.org/
SPECIAL HEALTH CONCERNS
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.
LEAD IN DRINKING WATER
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from material and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Longmont is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
5
Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report
W H AT I S I N
YOUR TAP WATER?
The City’s Water Quality Laboratory, which is
Last year, as in years past, your tap water met all EPA and State drinking water health standards. The City of Longmont safeguards its water supplies and once again, we are proud to report that our system did not violate a maximum contaminant level or any other water quality standard.
The following tables show the most recent test results for Longmont’s water and the federal and state requirements. The CDPHE allows monitoring for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of those contaminants do not change frequently. Some of the data in the tables, though representative of our water, is more than one year old. Unless otherwise noted, the results are from tests performed last year.
Definitions of the technical terms in the tables are included at the end of the tables.
The City of Longmont is proud to report that we met all drinking water regulations last year.
Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report
6
TABLE I - DRINKING WATER QUALITY: REGULATED CONTAMINANTS
Table I shows the most recent test results for contaminants that were detected in Longmont’s drinking water and have limits set by EPA or CDPHE regulations. Possible sources of the contaminants are noted in the last column. These are not necessarily the sources of contaminants in Longmont’s water.
Contaminant |
Range of Levels |
MCL |
MCLG |
Inorganic and Physical |
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Barium1 |
0.01 ppm |
2 ppm |
2 ppm |
Fluoride1 |
0.64 ppm |
4 ppm |
4 ppm |
Turbidity2 |
0.017 to 0.084 NTU |
1.0 NTU and more than |
Not |
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100% of samples <0.3 NTU |
95% of samples <0.3 NTU |
Applicable |
Nitrate (NO3) |
<0.10 ppm |
10 ppm |
10 ppm |
Probable Source of
Contaminant
Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits
Added during treatment to promote strong teeth
Soil runoff
Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits
Bacteria and Microorganisms
Total Coliform Bacteria |
Present in 0 samples out of 1,311 |
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E. coli Bacteria |
Not Detected |
Treatment technique used to trigger
Not |
Naturally present in the environment |
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Applicable |
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0% Present |
Human and animal waste |
Disinfection and Disinfection Byproducts
Chlorine3 |
0.29 to 1.31 ppm |
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Max Monthly Average= 0.85 ppm |
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Total Haloacetic Acids |
13.5 to 23.8 ppb |
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Max LRAA= 20.3 ppb |
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Total Trihalomethanes |
21.2 to 42.6 ppb |
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Max LRAA= 35.8 ppb |
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Radioactivity |
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Alpha Emitters1 |
0.6 pCi/L |
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Combined Radium |
0.2 pCi/L |
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(226+228)1 |
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Total Organic Carbon |
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Source Water: 2.29 to 4.65 ppm |
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Average= 3.28 ppm |
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Total Organic Carbon |
Treated Water: 1.17 to 1.92 ppm |
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(TOC) |
Average= 1.46 ppm |
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Removal: 33.6% to 67.1% |
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Average= 54.5% |
4 ppm (MRDL) |
4 ppm |
Added during treatment for disinfection |
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60 ppb |
0 ppb |
Byproduct of drinking water chlorination |
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80 ppb |
0 ppb |
Byproduct of drinking water chlorination |
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15 pCi/L |
0 pCi/L |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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5 pCi/L |
0 pCi/L |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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TOC is a measure of the effectiveness of a treatment |
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technique used by the water treatment plant to |
Naturally present in the environment |
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remove organic material.4 |
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TABLE II - DRINKING WATER QUALITY: CORROSION CONTROL
The City began a corrosion control program in 1987 to reduce lead and copper levels. Sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide is added at the treatment plants to adjust pH and alkalinity of the water and reduce its corrosiveness.
Contaminant |
Range of Levels |
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Lead |
90th percentile= 1.4 ppb |
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Max= 3.7 ppb |
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Copper |
90th percentile= 0.048 ppm |
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Max= 0.081 ppm |
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pH |
7.6 to 8.5 SU |
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Average= 8.2 SU |
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Alkalinity |
24.9 to 36.2 ppm |
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Average= 30.9 ppm |
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Action Level (AL) |
MCLG |
90th percentile: 15 ppb |
0 ppb |
90th percentile: 1.3 ppm |
1.3 ppm |
For Longmont, the CDPHE established allowable range for pH of 7.2 to 9.5 SU.
For Longmont, the CDPHE established allowable range for alkalinity of 7 to 77 ppm.
Probable Source of Contaminant
Lead and copper in drinking water mainly comes from corrosion of plumbing and fixtures.
Lead and copper in drinking water mainly comes from corrosion of plumbing and fixtures.
7
Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report
TABLE III - DRINKING WATER QUALITY: ADDITIONAL COMPOUNDS
Table III shows test results for parameters that do not have a specific MCL.
Contaminant |
Range of Levels |
Probable Source of Contaminant |
Inorganic and Physical |
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Sodium |
10 to 15.6 ppm |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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Average= 12.8 ppm |
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Calcium |
5.8 to 7.2 ppb |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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Average= 6.4 ppb |
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Potassium |
Not Detected |
Erosion of natural deposits |
Magnesium |
Not Detected to 1.2 ppm |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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Average of Detected Results= 1.1 ppm |
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Manganese |
Not Detected to 3 ppb |
Naturally occurring element and essential nutrient used in fertilizer, steel produc- |
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Average of Detected Results= 2.3 ppb |
tion, batteries, fireworks and in drinking water and wastewater treatment plants. |
Aluminium |
Not Detected to 34 ppb |
Erosion of natural deposits and byproduct of the drinking water treatment |
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Average of Detected Results= 25.1 ppb |
process |
Zinc |
Not Detected |
Erosion of natural deposits; Corrosion of plumbing and fixtures. |
Total Hardness |
18 to 23 ppm |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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Average= 20 ppm |
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Organic Chemicals |
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Chloroform |
19.4 to 40 ppb |
Byproduct of drinking water chlorination |
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Average= 29.7 ppb |
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Dichloroacetic acid |
5.3 to 11 ppb |
Byproduct of drinking water chlorination |
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Average= 7.8 ppb |
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Bromodichloromethane |
1.6 to 3.0 ppb |
Byproduct of drinking water chlorination |
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Average= 2.3 ppb |
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Trichloroacetic acid |
6.8 to 13. 1 ppb |
Byproduct of drinking water chlorination |
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Average= 9.5 ppb |
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Definitions of terms
90th percentile: 90% of the samples were below this level.
AL — Action Level: The concentration of a
contaminant which, if exceeded triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
LRAA — Locational Running Annual Average: The average of analytical results for samples taken at a particular monitoring location during the previous four calendar quarters.
MCL — Maximum Contaminant Level: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
MCLG — Maximum Contaminant Level Goal: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level: The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
MRDLG — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal: The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
NFWTP: Nelson Flanders Water Treatment Plant
NTU — Nephelometric Turbidity Unit: Used to describe the cloudiness of water.
pCi/L — PicoCuries per Liter: As a measure of radioactivity.
pH — The measure of how acidic or basic the water is, reported in Standard Units (SU). See SU definition for more information.
ppb — parts per billion: A measure of concentration of a contaminant. Comparable to one penny in $10,000,000.
ppm — parts per million: A measure of concentration of a contaminant. Comparable to one penny in $10,000.
ppt – parts per trillion: A measure of concentration of a contaminant. Comparable to one penny in $10,000,000,000.
SU — Standard Units: The unit of measure for pH. A pH of 7 SU is considered neutral. A pH less than 7 is acidic and a pH greater than 7 is basic.
Treatment Technique: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
WGWTP: Wade Gaddis Water Treatment Plant
- Per State monitoring requirements, Inorganic and Physical Metals last tested in 2020, and Radioactivity last tested in 2012.
- Turbidity is a measure of water clarity and is used to monitor treatment plant performance and interference with the disinfection process.
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Chlorine. More than 95% of the samples taken in the City’s distribution system in any month must have a residual chlorine level at or above 0.2 mg/L.
4 The required TOC removal is based on alkalinity of the water. For Longmont, the required level of TOC removal ranges between 35% and 45%.
Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report
8
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D
QUESTIONS
My water smells and tastes like chlorine. Why? What can I do about it?
All municipal water providers are required by Federal and State regulations to disinfect their water and maintain a residual level of disinfectant throughout the distribution system. In Longmont, the chlorine levels are set at the water treatment plants, which are closer to the northwest portion of the City’s distribution system. If you live in one of the neighborhoods on the north or west side of the City, chlorine may be more noticeable than in other parts of town. If you find the taste or odor objectionable, you can use
My water has a swampy or fishy smell. What’s causing this and what can I do about it?
Algae are a source of compounds that cause taste and odor and the type and quantity of algae vary in the water sources throughout the year. Water treatment does not completely remove all of these compounds. Activated carbon is used at the water plants at certain times of the year to reduce taste and odor. These taste and odor issues do not necessarily indicate the water is unsafe to consume.
Is Longmont’s water supply adequate to meet the demands of growth and drought in the future? City Council has adopted a benchmark for supply that calls for maintaining sufficient water supplies to meet water demands for 10 years into the future in a
Who should I contact if I have concerns about taste, odor or color in the water?
The City’s Water Quality Laboratory responds to water quality concerns and questions. You may call the lab at
My water sometimes has a yellow or brown color. What’s causing this and what can I do about it? The yellow or brown water is usually caused by flushing of the distribution system. Flushing of the distribution system is done at least once a year, typically in April, to maintain water quality and to ensure that fire hydrants are operational. The flushing schedules are posted in the newspaper and on the City’s website. Local flushing may be done at any time of the year to address specific problem areas. Color in the water from flushing operations is temporary and not harmful.
The City recommends that you limit water use and avoid the use of hot water while flushing is being done in your neighborhood. The color can often be eliminated by letting your cold water run for several minutes.
I think the water tastes or smells different in the summer and winter, why?
The changes in taste or odor usually occur in late spring and early winter and are a result of different combinations of water sources that are used to meet seasonal demands. The sources are discussed in the “Where Longmont Gets Its Water” section of this report. The water that is used to meet summer demands generally has higher mineral content and some people notice the difference when the water plants change sources.
I have white particles in my water that clog my faucet aerators or settle to the bottom of a glass. What are these and are they harmful?
White particles in your water may be caused by deterioration of the “dip” tube in your hot water heater. The dip tube is a plastic tube that feeds the cold water to the water heater. The particles are not toxic. You can test for this problem by taking the following steps:
- Remove your faucet aerator.
- Fill pans or your sink separately with cold and hot water.
- Look for white particles that settle to the bottom. If the particles only show up in the hot water, the problem is in your water heater. Either the dip tube or the heater will need to be replaced.
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Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report
Is Longmont’s water soft or hard?
Longmont’s water is soft and typically contains only
Why is my water cloudy when it comes out of the tap but clears up after several seconds?
This is caused by small bubbles of air that are dissolved in the water. Some air is already in the water delivered to your tap and more can be added by aerators in faucets. During the winter, when tap water is colder, there is more dissolved air in the water; as the water warms up, there will be bubbles which clear from the bottom to the top of the glass. If the water stays cloudy even after it has been in a glass for several minutes, please call
There has been a lot of recent publicity concerning the oil and gas industry’s practice of hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” and its potential effect on water supplies. Is Longmont’s drinking water affected by fracking?
Longmont obtains its water from rural and mountain watersheds that are not affected by the impact of oil and gas drilling operations. As discussed in the “What about Longmont’s Water?” section of this report, actual and potential pollutant sources in our watershed are identified in a source water assessment that was completed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Neither CDPHE nor the City has found any sources of contamination of our water supplies from oil and gas wells. In addition, all of our drinking water sources are surface water, not groundwater. Groundwater is more likely to be impacted by drilling or well operations. The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) has much more information on its website about the oil and gas industry, including locations of wells and discussions of hydraulic fracturing and water quality. For more information, please visit http://cogcc.state.co.us.
What is the City doing to monitor lead in drinking water?
In 2017 the CDPHE revised the monitoring frequency for lead and copper, the City is now required to monitor annually. Lead and copper monitoring requires evaluation of a combination of residences with either a lead component or copper pipe with lead solder. At this time, the City is not aware of any customers with service lines that are entirely made of lead. Any service connections that could have lead components are being replaced as the City renews water distribution lines as part of its ongoing water line replacement program. The City’s water treatment corrosion control program minimizes corrosion of plumbing in homes. The concentrations of lead in samples taken throughout Longmont are below the action levels in the
drinking water regulations, as shown in the tables in this report. The City performs annual lead testing as per drinking water regulations.
Does Longmont test its water for pharmaceuticals or other similar chemicals?
Longmont has tested for chemicals in the St. Vrain watershed and is also participating in a testing program led by Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, which manages the
Is the water tested for contaminants other than those listed in the Tables in this report? Longmont tests for many other contaminants not listed in this report. The Water Quality Laboratory samples and tests for over 50 compounds, including organics, inorganics and metals. The most recent tests showed no detectable levels of these contaminants in Longmont’s water.
Where can I get more information?
Visit our website at:
for Water Utilities, Water Resources, Drinking Water Quality and Water Conservation
Public Works and Natural Resources
Customer Service Center:
Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report
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LONGMONT
WATER
FAST FACTS
5.43 billion gallons were treated during the year.
853 million gallons were treated in the peak month of July.
31.1 million gallons were treated on the peak day.
11,810 tests
were done on the drinking water.
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Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report |
START CONSERVING!
As part of water conservation, the City offers rebates for water saving fixtures. In addition, the City provides waterwise seminars and sprinkler assessments. Efficient sprinkler systems and landscaping with waterwise plants will save you money and help maintain our water supply for the future. Additional information on water conservation programs, such as Garden In A Box, and answers to questions about water conservation can be found at:
General Water Questions?
Call Public Works and Natural Resources at
Interested in Public Meetings?
The City of Longmont City Council meets on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center, 350 Kimbark Street. There are two citizen boards that advise City Council on water issues: the Water Board meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 3 p.m. and the Sustainability Advisory Board meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. Both boards meet at the City Service Center, 1100 S. Sherman St.
Este folleto contiene informacíon importante sobre la calidad del agua en su comuniddad. Para solicitar el informe anual de calidad del agua potable de Longmont en Español, marque
Protect Our Waters by
PROPERLY DISPOSING
OF WASTE
Here’s how you can help keep our environment and water clean and healthy! Pollutants are carried by storm drains directly to our creeks and waterways without any treatment, which can harm aquatic life and affect downstream uses.
By following these tips, you are helping create a more sustainable Longmont. Learn more at
Know what to do with unwanted medications!
Take your expired medications to the Pharmaceutical Take Back events held twice a year at Longmont United Hospital.
Never flush
unwanted medications.
They can cause adverse effects to aquatic life and when the water is eventually reused, they can also cause unintentional human exposure to harmful chemicals.
Pick up after Fido!
Properly dispose of household hazardous waste!
The City offers two options for proper disposal of chemical and hazardous waste.
Scoop the poop!
Decaying pet waste consumes oxygen and can release ammonia, which can harm fish and other aquatic life. Pet waste also carries bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can threaten the health of humans and wildlife. Clean up after your pet and dispose of pet waste properly.
Used motor oil disposal
Take used oil in gallon milk jugs to Longmont’s Waste Diversion Center located at 140 Martin Street.
LongmontColorado.gov/WasteServices
Please bring your Longmont utility bill with you at the time of
Option One:
Year round access to the Boulder County Hazardous
Materials Management Facility.
When: Wednesday through Saturday, all year long
Where: Boulder County Recycling Center, 1901 63rd St., Boulder, CO, 80301
For more information:
BoulderCountyRecycles.org
Small businesses by appointment
Option Two:
The annual hazardous materials collection event held in Longmont.
Where: Longmont Public Works Maintenance Facility,
375 Airport Road
More information:
Please bring your Longmont utility bill with you at the time of
Items Accepted at Boulder County Hazardous Management Facility
Adhesives |
Fertilizers |
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Aerosol Cans |
Gasoline and |
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Car Fluids |
Unwanted Fuels |
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Car Batteries |
Household Cleaners |
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Antifreeze/Brake |
Items Containing |
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Mercury |
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Fluid/Used Motor Oil |
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Fluorescent Tubes |
Lacquer & Paint, |
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Paint Thinners |
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Compact Fluorescent |
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Lightbulbs |
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To learn more about stormwater quality visit
KeepItCleanPartnership.org
Contaminants
City of Longmont
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 87850
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 8
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Other Detected Contaminants
- Chlorate
- Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Strontium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.
Sources and Resources
Sources Cited
Additional Resources
What is the best way to protect your family from harmful chemicals in your tap water? You can make a difference. It”s time you took a stand for the health of our world and the future of your family.
Longmont, Colorado is a small town on the outskirts of Denver. It is home to many people that work in the city and also to tourists that come here every year for a weekend getaway. Most people living here know all about tap water and have probably heard horror stories about some of the chemicals that they use in their homes. Many of them come from a local supply. But some people are buying bottled water for their families at the grocery store or even the local grocery store.
As we have seen with some of the news related to tap water, there is much more to it than most people seem to be aware of. A lot of the problems that are being reported about tap water are really nothing more than the result of a bad water source.