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Is Loveland Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:47 pm, July 18, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Loveland?

Yes, Loveland's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Loveland 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, the city's water provider website, or Loveland's local Twitter account.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Loveland's water utility, City of Loveland, had 2 non-health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Loveland was resolved on Nov. 30, 2018. This assessment is based on the City of Loveland 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 Loveland Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Loveland 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 Loveland's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Loveland 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 Loveland for Loveland in Colorado. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

From April 1, 2022 to April 30, 2022, Loveland had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Filter) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

For the compliance period beginning Oct. 1, 2020, Loveland had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Lead and Copper Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Lead and Copper Rule.

From Nov. 1, 2018 to Nov. 30, 2018, Loveland had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Filter) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Is there Lead in Loveland Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Loveland water system, City of Loveland, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0019 mg/L of lead in Loveland water. This is 12.7% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Loveland contained more lead.

While Loveland water testing may have found 0.0019 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 Loveland 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 Loveland 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 Loveland 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.

Loveland SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
04/01/2022 - 04/30/2022 Archived No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Filter) (36) Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
10/01/2020 - Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R (52) Lead and Copper Rule (350) Lead and Copper Rule (5000) Chemicals (300) Lead and Copper Rule (350)
11/01/2018 - 11/30/2018 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Filter) (36) Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)

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

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
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.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Loveland Water - Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS IN MY DRINKING 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 1 (800) 426-4791. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, people who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 426-4791. The sources of drinking water for both tap water and bottled water include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and groundwater. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material. Water can also pick up substances from animals or from human activity. Bottled Water In order to ensure that tap water meets water quality standards, the EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
DO I NEED A WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM?
LWP’s drinking water does not require a filtration system. LWP’s water meets or exceeds all state and federal standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act. If you have lead pipes or solder you may wish to install a filtration system to remove lead. Make sure the model you choose is certified to reduce lead according to NSF/ANSI-53 standards. Filters should be maintained as specified
DO I NEED A WATER SOFTENER?
LWP’s water is considered soft in comparison to other water systems but all tap water will have some hardness. Hardness is measured monthly and may be reviewed in the Monthly Drinking Water Analysis on LWP’s website, www.lovelandwaterandpower.org/waterquality. Decisions regarding whether to install a water softener, and through which company, are the customer’s responsibility. Chlorine is added to our water to disinfect and prevent bacteria from growing. The EPA and CDPHE set maximum and minimum limits on the amount of chlorine allowed in drinking water. LWP’s chlorine level is within those required limits.To help reduce the chlorine taste and/or smell use a simple point of use carbon filter, chill the water or allow the water to sit for a few hours and the chlorine will dissipate.
IS THERE FLUORIDE IN MY WATER?
Yes, fluoride exists naturally in virtually all water supplies and even in various brands of bottled water. As directed by City Council and our customers, LWP adds fluoride to the water. LWP averages 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of treated water. Visit www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/index.html for more information. For additional testing, please contact an independent drinking water laboratory. Decisions regarding whether to perform additional testing, and through which company, are the customer’s responsibility. A list of certified testers is available on the CDPHE website at www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/homeowner-water- testing.For a list of private labs certified to test drinking water for lead,please visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/lead-labs-certified-analyze-drinking-water or contact LWP. Visit www.lovelandwaterandpower.org/waterquality for results
CAN I GET MY WATER TESTED?
For additional testing, please contact an independent drinking water laboratory. Decisions regarding whether to perform additional testing, and through which company, are the customer’s responsibility. A list of certified testers is available on the CDPHE website at www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/homeowner-water- testing.For a list of private labs certified to test drinking water for lead,please visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/lead-labs-certified-analyze-drinking-water or contact LWP. Visit www.lovelandwaterandpower.org/waterquality for results
HOW DO I CONTACT LOVELAND CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Loveland water provider, City of Loveland, please use the information below.
By Phone: 970-667-4416
By Email: jeff.monson@cityofloveland.org
By Mail: 3152 N CR 29
LOVELAND, CO, 80538
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR CITY OF LOVELAND
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their City of Loveland account to pay their Loveland water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your City of Loveland 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 Loveland water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Loveland 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.

HOW TO START & STOP LOVELAND WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Loveland means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Loveland. 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.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Loveland means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Loveland. 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.

Stop Service Form

Is Loveland Tap Water Safe to Drink? Tap water & safety quality

The estimated price of bottled water

$1.99 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Loveland tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 8% Very Low
  • Water Pollution 35% Low
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 92% Very High
  • Water Quality 65% High

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Loveland, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Loveland 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 Loveland's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

2020

LOVELAND WATER AND POWER

Drinking Water

Quality Report

What is a Drinking Water

Quality Report?

Welcome to Loveland Water and Power’s 2020 Drinking Water Quality Report. You are a valued customer of Loveland Water and Power (LWP). It is our mission to provide safe and reliable water to all of our customers.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires community water systems to deliver a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as an Annual Drinking Water Quality Report, to its customers. This report summarizes information regarding LWP’s water sources, the water treatment process, any detected contaminants, compliance requirements and educational information.

All Colorado public water systems have a Public Water System Identification Number (PWSID); Loveland’s PWSID number is CO0135485. This report is available online and in Spanish at www.lovelandwaterandpower.org/waterquality.

Loveland’s Water System

LWP’s raw water supply comes from the Big Thompson River Basin and the Colorado River basin via the Colorado-Big Thompson Project (CBT) and the Windy Gap Project.

Big Thompson Watershed

A watershed is an area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins or seas. Water quality within a watershed is affected by activities on the water and surrounding land. The Big Thompson Watershed Forum (BTWF) supports the protection and improvement of water quality in the Big Thompson Watershed through collaborative monitoring, assessment, education, and outreach projects. LWP takes a proactive approach in protecting and improving the Big Thompson Watershed by participating in the BTWF. For more information about the BTWF, call (970) 613-6160 or visit www.btwatershed.org. This program and others enable LWP to evaluate Big Thompson River data and identify water quality trends. The data contains valuable information about the quality of the source water and improves protection of LWP’s raw water sources.

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Interconnects

LWP’s water system is interconnected with two neighboring water systems: Little Thompson Water District and Fort Collins Loveland Water District. These interconnections benefit the systems by providing a redundant or alternate supply in case of an emergency or during maintenance shutdowns. In 2020, LWP purchased less than 1% of its total water use from Little Thompson Water District and Fort Collins Loveland Water District. Information on their source water and the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) reports can be found on their respective Drinking Water Quality Report or www.colorado.gov/ cdphe/swap-assessment-phase. If you have questions about water quality data from either district, please contact them directly.

  • Little Thompson Water District – CO0135477, purchases water from Carter Lake Filter Plant – CO0135476. Carter Lake Filter Plant uses water from Carter Lake Reservoir. Please visit www.ltwd.org or
    call (970) 532-2096 for more information.
  • Fort Collins Loveland Water District – CO013529, purchases water from Tri Districts/Soldier Canyon Filter Plant – CO135291 and the City of Fort Collins – CO0135291. Soldier Canyon Filter Plant and the City of Fort Collins use water from the Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir. Please visit www.fclwd.com or call (970) 226-3104 for more information.

Additionally, water quality data from communities throughout the United States are available here:

  • EPA’s Drinking Water Data and Reports– please visit www.epa.gov/ ground-water-and-drinking-water/drinking-water-data-and-reports
  • CDPHE Primary Drinking Water Regulations, please visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/drinking-water

Algal Mitigation Efforts & Treatment Process

Spring runoff, rainstorms, accidental spills, drought and other environmental factors influence the quality of raw water. One factor that influences LWP’s raw water supply is algae. Algae are microscopic organisms that occur naturally in a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Most species of algae do not cause taste and odor but some can. The species of algae in Green Ridge Glade Reservoir that typically causes taste and odor issues is called Anabaena. The taste and odor is not harmful but may be unpleasant.

In 2017, LWP installed five solar-powered mixers on Green Ridge Glade Reservoir. The mixers reduce potential taste and odor causing algal blooms. The mixers work 24 hours a day, mixing the surface water to keep algae from growing in their preferred habitat. LWP uses an environmentally friendly, peroxide-based algaecide if blooms become too severe. In addition to reservoir management, LWP has an optimized chemical dosing plan and powdered activated carbon strategy to combat taste and odor issues.

LWP’S ALGAE

RESPONSE

Typically, algae blooms occur in late spring through early fall.

The species that causes taste and odor in Green Ridge Glade Resevoir is Anabaena. While the taste and odor of this might be unpleasant, it is not harmful.

Algae occurs naturally in the environment and can be a healthy part of an ecosystem.

Staff regularly monitors the reservoir's water quality

Mixers installed in the reservoir mix surface water to reduce algae growth

Environmentally friendly algaecide is in the event of an algal bloom

Based on water quality and algae levels, water sent to the Water Treatment Plant can be selected from various depths in the reservoir through intake gates

An optimized chemical dosing and taste and odor plan is followed to help reduce taste and odor within the treatment process

After treatment, all algal matter has been removed and no algae remains in the water. Water delivered to homes and businesses meets or exceeds all standards for the Safe Drinking Water Act

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Source Water and Protection Report (SWAP)

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) submitted a Source Water Assessment Report to LWP outlining our water supply specifically. The Source Water Assessment Report provides a screening-level evaluation of

THE WATERTREATMENT PROCESS

potential contamination. It does not mean that the contamination occurred or will occur. The potential sources of contamination could include: hazardous waste generators, chemical inventory/storage sites, toxic release inventory sites, permitted wastewater discharge sites, above ground, underground and leaking storage tank sites, solid waste sites, existing/abandoned mine sites, commercial and industrial transportation, low intensity residential and urban recreational grasses, assorted crops and forests, septic systems, oil/gas wells and road miles.

None of the potential sources have high susceptibility ratings and more than 85% of these potential sources have a low to moderately-low susceptibility rating.

If you have any questions pertaining to the SWAP program, contact the CDPHE at

  1. 692-3592 or www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/swap-assessment-phase.

Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires

The Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires impacted multiple watersheds

Source Water Sampling

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

PRE-TREATMENT

To begin the treatment process, a coagulant aid is added to the water to form sticky particles called “floc” that attract soil, bacteria, algae and other unwanted particles.

FLOCCULATION

The sticky particles begin to form larger collections of solids. The combined weight of the unwanted materials and

floc cause the particles to sink.

FILTRATION

Clarified water flows through a mixed media

filter that consists of sand, gravel and anthracite coal. This filter removes even smaller unwanted particles.

Loveland’s water comes from both the east and west side of the continental divide. The water is drawnfrom the Big Thompson River and Green Ridge Glade Reservoir.

FINALTREATMENT

State and Federal regulations require that

a disinfectant be added to the water;

Loveland uses chlorine. Fluoride is added

to help prevent tooth decay, along with

soda ash to make the water less corrosive to home plumbing systems.

DISTRIBUTION

Treated water is stored in water tanks to

maintain an adequate supply for peak demand.

It is distributed through underground pipes to homes and businesses in the community.

in Northern Colorado, including a portion of the Big Thompson Watershed. The Cameron Peak Fire came within five miles of the City of Loveland and the Water Treatment Plant. The WTP remained fully operational with no interruption in treatment. Big Thompson River water quality in 2020 was unaffected. The City of Loveland is actively engaged in post-fire recovery meetings and will be monitoring potential runoff impacts in the upcoming season.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been manufactured and used in several industries since the 1940s. These chemicals can persist in the environment and the human body for a long period of time. LWP tested for these compounds in 2020 and none were detected in its source water or treated drinking water. The results are available at www.lovelandwaterandpower.org/waterquality.

SEDIMENTATION

Tube and plate settlers are used to make the floc sink quickly to the bottom of the tank. The floc forms sludge that is removed to the sludge ponds.

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What is in My Drinking 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 1 (800) 426-4791.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, people who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 426-4791.

The sources of drinking water for both tap water and bottled water include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and groundwater. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material. Water can also pick up substances from animals or from human activity.

Bottled Water

In order to ensure that tap water meets water quality standards, the EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Contaminants that may be

present in source water include:

Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria that 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 storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming.

Pesticides and herbicides that may come from a variety of sources, such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff and residential uses.

Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic compounds, are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production. These contaminants may also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems.

Radioactive contaminants that can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

(FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. Water from your tap in Loveland meets or exceeds all state and federal water quality standards. Bottled water sometimes comes from public water systems similar to LWP’s. In some cases, the water comes from sources that are not as high quality as LWP’s tap water. Additionally, LWP’s water is much less expensive, meaning you can fill your water bottle with high quality water from your tap for less than 1 cent per bottle.

COVID-19

LWP is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of the public. The City of Loveland meets or exceeds federal and state regulations and guidelines by treating drinking water with chlorine to remove pathogens, including viruses such as COVID-19, before providing water to the community. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/coronavirus/frequent-questions-about-drinking-water-and- coronavirus-covid-19.

DID YOU KNOW:

Loveland water meets or exceeds water quality standards. In some cases, Loveland water is even higher quality than bottled water sources.

Waterfall at Chasteen’s Grove

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Parameters Monitored in 2020

Lead and Copper Testing

Lead and copper are rarely detected in source water. Corrosion of home and building plumbing is typically the source of lead and copper in drinking water. LWP samples annually for lead and copper in homes that meet certain sampling criteria. Please contact LWP if you are interested in having your water tested. The EPA specified these criteria and the results of this testing are used for regulatory compliance to maintain proper corrosion control within the distribution system.

When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap with cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.

In 2020, the Lead and Copper Rule Action Levels were 15 parts per billion (ppb) for lead and 1300 ppb (or 1.3 parts per million) for copper. During the 2020 Lead and Copper sampling event, none of the 32 regulatory sample sites exceeded the Action Levels for lead.

Water Line Sampling

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. LWP 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 drinking water, you may wish to have your water tested.

Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and how you can minimize exposure is available from the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 426-4791 or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Volatile and Synthetic Organic Compounds (VOCs and SOCs)

Many contaminants are tested or analyzed according to compliance cycles set by CDPHE. LWP is required to test for VOCs annually and SOCs every three years. LWP conducted tests for both VOCs and SOCs in 2020. No contaminants were detected at or above reporting limits for regulated organic chemicals.

Unregulated Contaminants

The EPA uses the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to collect data for contaminants that are suspected to be present in drinking water and do not have health-based standards set under the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more information on the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, visit www.epa.gov/dwucmr.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

Check out the Monthly Drinking Water Analysis online at www.lovelandwaterandpower.org/

waterquality for additional testing results.

Drinking Water Analysis

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2020 Water Quality Table

The CDPHE and EPA requires LWP to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year, or the system is not considered vulnerable to this type of contamination. Some of Loveland’s data, though representative, may be more than one year old. This report presents the results of our monitoring for the period January 1 to December 31, 2020 unless otherwise noted.

Raw and Finished Water Ratio

Regulated at the Consumer’s Tap

Parameter

Monitoring Period

90th

Sample Size

Unit of

Action Level

Sample Sites Above

Violation

Typical Sources

Percentile

Measure

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copper

6/9/2020 - 9/29/2020

0.17

32

ppm

1.3

0

No

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits

Lead

6/9/2020 - 9/29/2020

2.1

32

ppb

15

0

No

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits

Parameter

Year

Average

Range Low–High

Sample Size

Unit of Measure

TT Minimum Ratio

TT Violation

Typical Sources

Total Organic Carbon Ratio

2020

1.39

1.16 - 1.64

12

Ratio

1.00

No

Naturally present in the environment

Entry Point of the Distribution System

Parameter

Month

Level Found

TT Requirement

TT Violation

Typical Sources

Turbidity

February

Highest single measurement: 0.318 NTU [3]

Maximum 1 NTU for any single measurement

No

Soil Runoff

Turbidity

December

Lowest monthly percentage of samples meeting

In any month, at least 95% of samples

No

Soil Runoff

TT requirement for our technology: 100%

must be less than 0.3 NTU

 

 

 

 

Parameter

Year

Average

Range Low–High

Sample Size

Unit of Measure

MCL

MCLG

MCL Violation

Typical Sources

Barium

2020

0.01

0.01

- 0.01

1

ppm

2

2

No

Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits

Fluoride

2020

0.73

0.73

- 0.73

1

ppm

4

4

No

Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from

fertilizer and aluminum factories

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nitrate

2020

0.3

0.3

- 0.3

1

ppm

10

10

No

Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits

Radium,

2020

1.4

1.4

- 1.4

1

pCi/L

5

0

No

Erosion of natural deposits

Combined

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution System

Parameter

Month

 

Results

 

 

Number of Samples Below Level

Sample Size

TT Violation

MRDL

Chlorine Residual

 

Feb., 2020

Lowest period percentage of samples meeting TT requirement: 100%

0

 

 

80

 

No

4.0 ppm

Parameter

Year

Average

Range Low–High

Sample Size

Unit of

 

Secondary Standard

Parameter

 

Detected

MCL

 

MCLG

Sample Size

Measure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Coliform Bacteria

1.2%

<5%

 

NA

963

Sodium [1]

2020

13.6

 

13.6 - 13.6

1

ppm

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

E. coli

 

0%

Sample based

0% Present

963

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parameter

 

Year

Average

Range Low–High

 

Sample Size

Unit of Measure

MCL

MCLG

MCL Violation

 

Typical Sources

Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

 

2020

27.44 [2]

19.6 - 47.3

 

 

32

ppb

60

N/A

 

No

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)

 

2020

37.57 [2]

24.6 - 66.9

 

 

32

ppb

80

N/A

 

No

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Chlorite

 

 

2016

0.31

0.2 to 0.45

 

 

9

ppb

1.0

0.8

 

No

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Acronym Definitions

MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level - Sets the highest level of a contaminant 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 - Establishes 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 Disinfection 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.

N/A: Not Applicable

ND: Non Detect - Occurs when a laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.

NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit - A measure of particles in the water. At 5 NTU, particles are barely visible in a glass of water.

ppb: Parts of contaminant per billion parts of water.

ug/L: Micrograms per liter, equal to ppb

ppm: Parts of contaminant per million parts of water

mg/L: Milligrams per liter, equal to ppm

pCi/L: Picocurries per liter

  1. Treatment Technique means a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Table Footnotes

  1. Secondary Contaminants - Secondary standards are non-enforceable guidelines for contaminants that may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin, or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water.
  2. Running Annual Average of the removal ratio between raw water Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and the finished water TOC.
  3. None of the turbidity readings for 2020 were over the 0.3 NTU reporting limit for continuous turbidity measurements. The highest turbidity reading of 0.318 NTU did not exceed the reporting limit of 1.0 NTU for any single measurement.

11

2020 Drinking Water Quality Report

12

2020 Drinking Water Quality Report

WATERTESTING LOCATIONS FROM SOURCE TOTAP

Source Water/Raw Water:

The City of Loveland tests the raw water that enters the water plant to identify potential water quality issues that may affect water treatment processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a water filtration system?

LWP’s drinking water does not require a filtration system. LWP’s water meets or exceeds all state and federal standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

If you have lead pipes or solder you may wish to install a filtration system to remove lead. Make sure the model you choose is certified to reduce lead according to NSF/ANSI-53 standards. Filters should be maintained as specified

Why is my water discolored?

Water discoloration or turbid water is caused by the stirring of sediment in the water line. Fire hydrant flushing, firefighting activities, water line breaks or operational maintenance where changes in water pressure or flow of water within the distribution system occur can cause water discoloration.

If you experience staining of laundry due to discolored water, do not let the laundry

GREEN RIDGE GLADE RESERVOIR

BIG THOMPSON RIVER

CITY OF LOVELAND

WATER TREATMENT PLANT

NEIGHBORING

WATER DISTRICTS

Entry Point of the Distribution System: Water leaving the water plant is tested consistently to ensure that it meets or exceeds all State and Federal Regulations.

Consumer’s Tap and Distribution System:

Water is frequently tested throughout the distribution by sampling at consumers’ taps for lead and copper. Water is also tested at multiple designated sites for bacteria, DBPs, pH, Alkalinity and Chlorine.

Interconnect Purchases:

In some cases the City of Loveland purchases water treated by neighboring districts, which is tested to ensure all water entering our distribution continues to meet or exceed regulations. This includes unregulated contaminants.

by the manufacturer. Decisions regarding installing a filtration system, and through which company, are the customer’s responsibility.

Do I need a water softener?

LWP’s water is considered soft in comparison to other water systems but all tap water will have some hardness. Hardness is measured monthly and may be reviewed in the Monthly Drinking Water Analysis on LWP’s website, www.lovelandwaterandpower.org/waterquality. Decisions regarding whether to install a water softener, and through which company, are the customer’s responsibility.

Water has a chlorine smell and/or taste?

Chlorine is added to our water to disinfect and prevent bacteria from growing. The EPA and CDPHE set maximum and minimum limits on the amount of chlorine allowed in drinking water. LWP’s chlorine level is within those required limits.To help reduce the chlorine taste and/or smell use a simple point of use carbon filter, chill the water or allow the water to sit for a few hours and the chlorine will dissipate.

dry. Wash the laundry using a rust removal product or contact LWP to receive a cleaning product that will help remove the stains. Do not use chlorine bleach.

Is there fluoride in my water?

Yes, fluoride exists naturally in virtually all water supplies and even in various brands of bottled water. As directed by City Council and our customers, LWP adds fluoride to the water. LWP averages 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of treated water. Visit www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/index.html for more information.

Can I get my water tested?

For additional testing, please contact an independent drinking water laboratory. Decisions regarding whether to perform additional testing, and through which company, are the customer’s responsibility. A list of certified testers is available on the CDPHE website at www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/homeowner-water- testing.For a list of private labs certified to test drinking water for lead,please visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/lead-labs-certified-analyze-drinking-water or contact LWP. Visit www.lovelandwaterandpower.org/waterquality for results

LWP routinely monitors for contamination in the

*Color of each circled letter

Interconnect Sales:

corresponds to data tables of

In addition to purchasing water from its

distribution system, to ensure public health and safety.

the same color on pages 11-12.

neighbors, the City of Loveland sells

 

water to them.

 

 

of the monthly Drinking Water Analysis.

13

2020 Drinking Water Quality Report

14

2020 Drinking Water Quality Report

Questions about this report or our water?

Please contact us if you have any questions about this report or our water. Feel free to contact Tim Bohling, Water Quality Manager, at (970) 962-3479 or by email at Tim.Bohling@cityofloveland.org.

This report and other important information about Loveland Water and Power can be found on online at www.lovelandwaterandpower.org/waterquality.

Loveland Utilities Commission

If you are interested in monthly public meetings, the Loveland Utilities Commission meets monthly at the Loveland Service Center. Visit www.lovelandwaterandpower.org/LUC for the schedule and agendas.

Office

Contact Us

Loveland Service Center

(970) 962-3000

200 North Wilson Avenue

LWPInfo@cityofloveland.org

Loveland, CO 80537

www.lovelandwaterandpower.org

Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Monday through Friday

 

Para recibir una copia gratuita en español, llame al (970) 962-3000 o envíe un correo electrónico a LWPinfo@cityofloveland.org.

If you know customers that do not have a copy of this report or do not have access to the internet, please share this report with them.

Violations

During the monitoring period of June through September 2020, the City of Loveland failed to collect the required number of lead and copper samples from high risk locations (i.e. homes that contain lead and are considered to be Tier 1 sample sites). This resulted in a Tier 3 monitoring violation. This situation was not an emergency requiring use of alternate water supplies and no consumer action was needed. However, results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water meets health standards therefore we cannot be sure of the drinking water quality during that time. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems (especially for pregnant women and young children). In 2021, the City of Loveland will be working to obtain more

Tier 1 sample sites to add to the sampling pool for use during the monitoring period of June through September 2021. We anticipate resolving the problem by October 2021.

Contaminants


City of Loveland

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: 71985
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Surface water
  • Total: 17

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Chlorite
  • Chloroform
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroacetic acid

Other Detected Contaminants

  • Barium
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Monobromoacetic acid
  • Monochloroacetic acid
  • Nitrate
  • Strontium
  • Vanadium

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

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