Denver’s drinking water contains 27 contaminants, 12 of which exceed Environmental Working Group (EWG) safe levels.
Water systems may contain naturally occurring minerals and substances, as well as substances introduced through industrial and agricultural waste runoff or water treatment processes.
Among these pollutants, Nitrates, Chlorine, and Chloroform can have particularly harmful effects on human health. There have been no updates to the federal standards regarding legal limits of these contaminants in 20 years. Consequently, even if the city’s tests comply with those limits, it does not guarantee safety.
Therefore, it is necessary to become familiar with the contents and risks of local tap water. By doing so, you will be able to ensure that your household drinking water is as safe as possible.
Let’s take a look at the contaminants in Denver’s water.
WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER?
If you live in Denver, the tap water delivered to your house contains contaminants such as toxic chemicals, minerals, heavy metals, disinfectants, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environmental Working Group, contaminants detected in Denver’s water include:
Contaminants
The Colorado Department of Health recommends testing your water if you’re concerned about contaminant levels.
IS DENVER TAP WATER HEALTHY TO DRINK?
Denver, like many cities across the United States, is facing a water contamination crisis. With the increasing industrialization and population growth in the city, the safety of Denver’s tap water has become a concern for many residents. Despite the efforts of the Denver Water Department to maintain high water quality standards, the presence of harmful contaminants such as lead and industrial chemicals in the city’s water supply has raised questions about the safety of drinking tap water in Denver.
One of the major concerns in Denver’s water supply is the presence of lead. According to the Denver Water Department, lead can enter the water supply through lead pipes, fittings, and solder used in plumbing. While the water department has implemented measures to reduce lead levels in the water supply, such as adding an anti-corrosive agent to the water, residents are still advised to take precautions to protect themselves from lead exposure.
Another concern in Denver’s water supply is the presence of industrial chemicals, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” have been linked to cancer and other health problems. They are used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, and have been found in the water supply in several Denver-area communities, including Commerce City. The state attorney general has filed a lawsuit against Suncor Energy, alleging that the company has contaminated the water supply with PFAS.
The lack of federal regulations for many of these contaminants is a significant issue, as the federal health-based drinking water standards for the legal limits of contaminants have not been updated in almost twenty years. This means that even if the water quality tests may meet the federal government’s legal limits, it does not mean it has no negative impacts on the health of the citizens.
In conclusion, while the Denver Water Department is taking steps to ensure the safety of the city’s water supply, the presence of harmful contaminants such as lead and industrial chemicals raises concerns about the safety of drinking tap water in Denver. It’s important for residents to stay informed about the contaminants present in their water supply and take steps to protect themselves from exposure. It’s also crucial for the government to update the federal regulations and take action to address the contamination issues in Denver and other cities across the country.
USING WATER FILTER SYSTEMS TO PURIFY CONTAMINATED WATER
How do you fix these issues? The city does the best they can to filter the water. However, it is your responsibility to add additional filtration to the home water supply. Here is a list of effective filtration media for each contaminant listed above:
CHOOSING THE BEST WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM
Now it’s time to find a system! There are many water filtration systems, but which is the best?
Basic pitcher filters and shower head filters would be an effective options since they normally have a layer of Active Carbon and sometime KFD. However, you will need to replace these filters ~ every 3 months. This expense adds up. Because of this we recommend a whole home system.
Whole Home Systems:
- Water softener – Unfortunately, softeners will not get the job done with this water. The disinfectants will deteriorate the resin beads causing it to be ineffective. Additionally it will not remove any chemicals or bacteria.
- Water Conditioner – A conditioning system i will remove the chemicals and heavy metals. However, media will need to be replaced every year or so or you risk bacteria growth in the carbon.
- Clean Water Co 7s – This system was designed to target every know contaminant. This system is effective for 15 years without maintenance.
More about the Clean Water ELV8 S7:
This system will ensures that the water you use for drinking, cooking, showering, and cleaning meets or exceeds the drinking water standards. Our 7-stage water filter system combines all four types of water filtration into one complete solution: water softening, carbon filtration, and KDF filtration.
Our 7-stage water filter system includes:
- Water softening – uses garnet stones and synthetic resin beads to remove hard particles and soften water.
- Active Carbon -2 layers of carbon filtration to remove chlorine, odors, and taste
- KDF – 4 layers of KDF filtration to remove remaining contaminants, microorganisms, chemicals, minerals, and VOCs
These layers are organized to not only reduce the maximum amount of contaminants, but it’s also designed so that each layer protects the others from being damaged. This allows are system to go 10-15 years without maintenance.
In addition to our whole-home water filtration system, we include a reverse osmosis water filter under your kitchen sink for extra-purified water for drinking and cooking. You can trust The Clean Water Company for all your home water filtration needs and ensure your family has access to clean, safe water!
FINDING THE BEST WATER FILTER FOR YOUR HOME
Ensure your family has access to the cleanest and safest drinking water in Colorado by working with a water filter company that specializes in testing your specific water and providing comprehensive water filter installation. The Clean Water Company is a locally family-owned and operated business dedicated to providing top-notch water filtration solutions for homes and families in Denver.
Don’t let the age and condition of your pipes affect the quality of your water. Book a FREE water test with us today and find out how we can improve your home’s water quality. Trust The Clean Water Company for all your water filtration needs.
