Drinking Water Sources The Eagle River Water & Sanitation District (District) and the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority (Authority) are fortunate to have numerous high quality natural water sources for drinking water. The water that is treated from sources open to the atmosphere (such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs) is known as surface water. Water pumped from wells drilled into underground aquifers – geologic formations containing water – is called groundwater.
Common Sources of Pollution
The water from surface and groundwater sources undergoes drinking water treatment. Drinking water treatment removes microbes, metals and other chemical contaminants that occur both naturally and through human activities, so that all drinking water complies with strict Federal standards. Generally, surface water systems require more treatment because they are exposed to the atmosphere and runoff from precipitation and melting snow. Natural waters can contain microorganisms from wildlife and soils, radionuclides from underlying rock, nitrates and nitrites from nitrogen compounds in the soil, heavy metals from underground rocks containing arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and selenium, and fluoride. Human activities contribute contaminants such as bacteria and nitrates from human and animal waste and septic tanks, heavy metals from mining constrution, fertilizers and pesticides from golf courses and parks, industrial products and wastes from gas stations, leaking underground storage tanks, major highways, household waste from cleaning solvents and petroleum products such as used motor oil, paint, paint thinner, and treatment chemicals from wastewater treatment plants.
Law Governing Safe Drinking Water
Public water providers like the District and the Authority are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Congress passed the SDWA in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply and protecting sources of drinking water. In Colorado, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, under the guidance of the EPA, administers the SDWA.
Highlights of the Safe Drinking Water Act
- Authorizes the EPA to set enforceable health standards for contaminants in drinking water
- Requires public notification of water system violations and annual Consumer Confidence Reports
- Establishes a Federal/State partnership for regulation enforcement
- Includes provisions specifically designed to protect underground sources of drinking water
- Requires disinfection of surface water supplies, except those with pristine, protected sources (such as some springs)
- Establishes a multi-billion-dollar state revolving loan fund for water system upgrades
- Requires assessment of the vulnerability of all drinking water sources to contamination – see Source Water Quality and Protection
- Recognizes that certain sub-populations are more sensitive to low level contaminants than others.
It is reasonable to expect that drinking water contains at least small amounts of some contaminants. As discussed above, public drinking water is regulated under the SDWA, which establishes limits for contaminants. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. People with compromised immune systems and pregnant women and their fetuses can be particularly at risk for adverse effects.
If you have special health care needs, consider taking additional precautions with your drinking water and seek advice from your health care provider. For more information visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website.
Household Wells
While the EPA regulates public water systems, it does not have the authority to regulate private wells. For more information about ensuring the protection and maintenance of private wells, visit the EPA website or call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.