Consumer Information

The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and Colorado Safe Drinking Water Program (Program) ensure public water systems (PWS) provide consistently safe drinking water. The Program provides consumer information on various drinking water topics. Please see below for a list of frequently asked questions for further information. A list of definitions and a general introduction is provided in the first few pages of the  2012 Drinking Water Annual Compliance Report For further assistance please Contact the Division. To report an emergency please visit Emergency Response.

Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - Water Quality Report 

PWS serving residential customers, classified as 'Community', are required to provide their customers with a report every year. The Consumer Confidence Report is the centerpiece of the right-to-know provisions in the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act. Its aim is to educate customers about what is in their drinking water, how the water was treated, and where the water comes from. It lists the contaminants that were detected in the water and any violations. A history of drinking water violations, if any, for your water provider is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We encourage you to read your water provider's annual report and contact them with any questions. 

 
Frequently Asked Questions

• Where do I go for information about my public water system (PWS)?
  • Generally speaking, the fastest way to get information about the water provided is to contact your PWS directly. Contact information should be located on your water bill. If water is included as association dues then contact your property manager for information.
  • Community PWS annually produce and distribute Consumer Confidence (Water Quality) Reports. Contact the PWS and request the most recent copy (usually can  be found on the PWS's website). The Program produces DRAFT Consumer Confidence Reports, but these are not final versions.
• How do I know if my PWS is complying with the regulations?
  • Violations are issued to systems not complying with the regulations. The  2012 Drinking Water Annual Compliance Report  lists PWS with health-based violations. Threats to public health, or multiple/severe violations can lead to an escalated enforcement action.
• Where do I go for general drinking water information?
  • EPA Ground Water and Drinking Water
  • EPA Drinking Water Contaminant Information
• I have a private well, what are some guidelines?
  • Visit Private Wells
  • EPA - Private Drinking Water Wells  
• Can I test my own water?
  • Sure, but the proper methods should be followed when collecting drinking water samples. Remember, the sample collection method varies by contaminant.  For more information visit:
    
    • Laboratory Services Water Testing Frequently Asked Questions
    • Laboratory Services Water Testing Information
• How do I request information or data?
  • Records in the Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) are available for review under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) at the WQCD Records Center.
• Where can I find Information on historical public health threats and the Colorado Radionuclide Abatement and Disposal Strategy (CORADS)?
  • Historical Public Health Threats
  • Colorado Radionuclide Abatement and Disposal Strategy (CORADS)