PWS ID CO0107485

2024 LONGMONT
DRINKING WATER
QUALITY REPORT

The City of Longmont is proud to report we met all applicable federal and state drinking
water standards and did not have any violations in 2024.

OUR MISSION: YOUR WATER!

The Water Department is The City of Longmont is pleased to present the 2024 Drinking Water
dedicated to delivering Quality Report. Inside you will find information about Longmont’s
excellent and affordable drinking water and results of the most recent tests that were done on
water services that the City's drinking water.
enhance the quality of life. If you prefer to receive this report in printed format, please call
303-651-8416. Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report

303-651-8416
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 TABLE OF
CONTENTS

2 Where Longmont
Gets Its Water
WHERE LONGMONT
4 Looking After
Longmont's
Watersheds
GETS ITS WATER
Longmont’s drinking water comes from surface water
5 What’s in the Water
Before Treatment? sources including streams, lakes and reservoirs that collect
snowmelt and rain. Our water comes from two main
sources: the St. Vrain Creek Watershed on the east side of
6 How is the Water
Treated? the mountains and the Upper Colorado River Watershed
on the west side.

7 What is in Your Tap

Water? St. Vrain Creek Watershed
Some of Longmont’s water comes from the North St. Vrain

8 Test Results for the

City of Longmont
Creek, which spans across parts of the Indian Peaks and
Rocky Mountain National Parks wilderness areas. Water
is stored in Ralph Price Reservoir located in the Button

10 Frequently Asked
Questions
Rock Preserve before it is sent by pipeline to Longmont’s
treatment plant. Water from the South St. Vrain Creek,
which flows through the Indian Peaks Wilderness, can also
13 Lead Protection for
Longmont Water
be treated right away or stored in local reservoirs. These
two creeks meet in Lyons to form St. Vrain Creek, where
additional water can be brought to our treatment plant
14 Longmont Water
Fast Facts through irrigation ditches and pipelines.
Upper Colorado River Watershed
15 Stay in the Know with
Backflow Control
Water from the Colorado and Fraser Rivers on the west
side of the Continental Divide also supplies Longmont.
Grand County reservoirs, like Lake Granby and Grand
16 Are You Taking Care of
Our Water? Lake, are sources of water for the Colorado-Big Thompson
(CBT) Project, which is managed by the Northern
Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWD). The water
moves through the 13-mile-long Adams Tunnel under
the mountains and is stored in Carter Lake before it is
delivered to Longmont for treatment.
Each year, the amount of water Longmont gets from
these sources can vary. In the 2024 reporting year,
about 29% of our water came from the St. Vrain Creek
Watershed, while 71% came from the Upper Colorado
River Watershed.
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Raw water sources, water infrastructure
and Longmont's water treatment plants
are shown on the map below.

By using these high-quality mountain water sources, Longmont ensures

safe, clean drinking water for our community.

287

Estes Park Big Tho Loveland

mpso
Rocky n Ri
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Mountain
National Park Chimney Hollow
36 Carter Lake 25

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ig
-B ct r
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iv e

South P
lo n e Tho
Co pso n Pip
7

Grand Reservoir tle

Lake h om utio Lit
T rib n Creek 1 2 Union
Dis
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North Sain Lyons Reservoir

lat
te R i ve
Lake
Granby ek Longmont ek
n Cre Cre
i
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a in
Vr
ra

McCall Lake
t

.V
in

Windy Gap
36
Sa

St

Reservoir
ut Burch Lake McIntosh
h

So
52

Lake
119
72

Water Partially Owned by Longmont Underground Water Distribution

Water Owned by Longmont Aboveground Water Distribution
1 Nelson Flanders Water Treatment Plant Continental Divide
2 Wade Gaddis Water Treatment Plant

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 LOOKING AFTER

LONGMONT’S WATERSHEDS
Wildfires, wildlife, farms and people can all affect our Upper Colorado River Watershed
water quality. That’s why the City of Longmont regularly
Some of Longmont’s water also comes from the Upper
tests water in our reservoirs, St. Vrain Creek, and other
Colorado River Watershed on the West Slope. This
key locations. This program provides useful information
water may contain contaminants from recreation,
about Longmont's source water quality, which helps
wastewater treatment plants, and runoff from pastures.
water treatment plant operators decide how to best
treat the water to keep it clean.
Checking for Unregulated Contaminants
Longmont partners with the Northern Colorado
Water Conservancy District (NCWCD) to test for many
Did you know...
chemicals that aren’t yet regulated, like medicines,
The source water can change the taste and smell of
personal care products, pesticides, and industrial
your tap water? Summer water sources may have
chemicals. Learn more and see the latest report
higher mineral content, which some may notice when
from the Compounds of Emerging Concern Program
the supply changes.
(CEC Program) at NCWCD’s website: https://www.
northernwater.org/environmental/environmental-
monitoring/CEC

St. Vrain Creek Watershed

Our clean mountain watersheds provide high-quality
water. However, the St. Vrain Creek can pick up natural
contaminants from the wilderness and runoff from old
mines. Further downstream, agricultural and livestock
activity may also impact water quality.
A Source Water Assessment Report for Longmont is
available from the Colorado Department of Public
Health and Environment (CDPHE). Call 303-651-8416 or
visit the CDPHE website (https://cdphe.colorado.gov/
swap-assessment-phase) and search “Longmont” at the
bottom of the page.

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W H AT ’ S I N T H E WAT E R

BEFORE TREATMENT?
To keep tap water safe, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment sets limits on certain
contaminants in public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets similar limits for bottled water
to protect public health.
Drinking water, whether it is from your tap or a bottle, comes from places like rivers, lakes, streams, ponds,
reservoirs, springs and wells. Some of this water soaks into the ground, but a lot of it flows over roads, parking lots,
yards, hills and mountains. This moving water is called runoff. As runoff travels, it can pick up dirt, chemicals and
germs—things, called contaminants or pollutants, we don’t want in our drinking water. Some come from nature,
and others come from people.

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

Natural contaminants – Rivers, lakes and streams have Pesticides and herbicides – These are chemicals used to
natural contaminants that can make water unsafe to kill bugs and weeds. They are often sprayed on farms,
drink. These include bacteria and viruses from animal yards and city landscaping.
waste, dead plants, algae, minerals from rocks, and
Organic chemical (oil, gas and other chemicals) – These
naturally occurring radioactive materials.
include human-made chemicals found in things like
Microbes – Germs, like bacteria and viruses, can come plastics, paints, and medicine. Some, called volatile
from farm animals and wildlife; septic systems; sewage organic compounds (VOCs), can easily turn into gas
treatment plants; or pet waste that gets washed into and move through air and water. VOCs can come from
the water. gasoline, car oil leaks, and even soaps or cleaning
products that get washed down the drain and end up in
Inorganic chemicals (metals and salts) – These can
rivers and lakes.
come from stormwater (rainwater that runs off streets
and sidewalks), mining, farms or the salt used to melt Radioactive contaminants – These can come from
ice on roads in the winter. Factories and wastewater nature or from activities including mining and drilling for
systems can also add these pollutants to water. oil or gas.

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 HOW IS THE
WATER TREATED?
Last year, Longmont treated an average of 24.4 million gallons
per day (MGD) in the summer and 7.5 MGD in the winter.

Water Treatment Steps

1 Coagulation — Aluminum salts, powdered 4 Filtration — Water is passed through filters made
activated carbon and chemicals called polymers are of sand and anthracite coal to filter out remaining
mixed with the water to make the particles in the particles.
water stick together and to remove taste and odor 5 Fluoridation — Fluoride is added to help prevent
compounds.
tooth decay.
2 Flocculation — The coagulated particles are 6 Stabilization — Small amounts of soda ash (sodium
slowly mixed so that they can collide and form larger
carbonate) or sodium hydroxide are added to make
particles, known as “floc.”
the water less corrosive to pipes and plumbing.
Sedimentation — Next, the water moves into a
3 7 Disinfection — Chlorine is added to kill any
large tank where gravity does the work — the clumps
remaining bacteria or other disease-causing
of particles (called ‘floc’) slowly sink to the bottom,
organisms.
where they can be removed. 1 COAGULATION

2 FLOCCULATION

3 SEDIMENTATION

WATER INTAKE

SEDIMENT

STORAGE

7 DISINFECTION 4 FILTRATION

DISTRIBUTION 5 FLUORIDATION
6 STABILIZATION
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W H AT I S I N
YOUR TAP WATER?
The City’s Water Quality Laboratory, which is State-certified,
performs many of the tests on your drinking water. Contract
labs are used for tests that the Water Quality Laboratory does
not do in-house. 10,440 tests were performed on the City’s
drinking water last year, 9,608 of which were performed by
the City’s Water Quality Laboratory. This ensures that the
water delivered to your tap meets the standards set by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Last year, as in years past, your tap water met all EPA and
State drinking water standards. The City of Longmont
safeguards our water supplies and once again, we are
proud to report that our system did not violate a maximum
contaminant level. 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.

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 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 Results MCL MCLG Probable Source

Inorganic and Physical
Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from
Barium1 0.01 ppm 2 ppm 2 ppm
metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive
Fluoride1 0.67 ppm 4 ppm 4 ppm that promotes strong teeth; Discharge from
fertilizer and aluminum factories
0.017 to 0.162 NTU 1.0 NTU and more than Not
Turbidity2 Soil runoff
100% of samples <0.3 NTU 95% of samples <0.3 NTU Applicable
Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from
Nitrate (NO3) 0.11 ppm 10 ppm 10 ppm septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural
deposits
Bacteria and Microorganisms
Treatment technique used to
Present in 0 out of 1,262 Not
Total Coliform Bacteria trigger follow-up assessments Naturally present in the environment
samples Applicable
of the water system.
E. coli Bacteria Not Detected 0% Present Human and animal fecal waste
Disinfection and Disinfection Byproducts
Treatment Technique Requirement:
100% of samples > 0.2 ppm in all
At least 95% of samples
months
per month > 0.2 ppm
Chlorine3 Water additive used to control microbes
0.40 to 1.58 ppm 4 ppm
4 ppm (MRDL)
Max Monthly Average= 1.20 ppm (MRDLG)

17.4 to 25.7 ppb

Total Haloacetic Acids 60 ppb 0 ppb Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Max LRAA= 24.2 ppb
20.0 to 45.8 ppb
Total Trihalomethanes 80 ppb 0 ppb Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Max LRAA= 35.8 ppb
Radioactivity
Alpha Emitters1 <3 pCi/L 15 pCi/L 0 pCi/L Erosion of natural deposits
Uranium1 <1 ppb 30 ppb 0 ppb Erosion of natural deposits
Combined Radium
<2 pCi/L 5 pCi/L 0 pCi/L Erosion of natural deposits
(226+228)1
Total Organic Carbon

Source Water: 2.51 to 5.16 ppm

Average= 3.49 ppm
TOC is a measure of the effectiveness of a treatment
Treated Water: 1.05 to 1.99 ppm
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) technique used by the water treatment plant to Naturally present in the environment
Average= 1.40 ppm
remove organic material.4
Removal: 52.2% to 66.6%
Average= 59.5%

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.

Parameter Results Action Level (AL) MCLG Probable Source

90th percentile= 1.85 ppb Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
Lead 90th percentile: 15 ppb 0 ppb
ND to 42.6 ppb5 Erosion of natural deposits
90th percentile= 0.053 ppm Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
Copper 90th percentile: 1.3 ppm 1.3 ppm
ND to 0.0843 ppm Erosion of natural deposits
7.7 to 8.8 SU
pH
Average= 8.2 SU
22.9 to 39.1 ppm
Alkalinity
Average= 30.5 ppm

1
Per State monitoring requirements, Inorganic and Physical Metals last tested in 2020, Fluoride last tested in 2021 and Radioactivity last tested in 2021.
2
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity and is used to monitor treatment plant performance and interference with the disinfection process.
3
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%.
5
Two lead samples collected during the monitoring period tested above the Lead Action Level. One sample, which measured 42.6 ppb, was collected in a manner not representative of
typical household water use. A follow-up sample from the same site showed significantly lower levels. Another sample measured 16.7 ppb. A follow-up sample from that location was
analyzed and also showed significantly lower levels. Any tap samples with elevated lead results are followed up with confirmation sampling, and the homeowner is contacted. Water
systems are required to demonstrate that 90% of tap samples are below the Lead Action Level. Our system’s 90th percentile lead level was 1.85 ppb—well below the 15 ppb Action Level.

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 TABLE III - DRINKING WATER QUALITY: ADDITIONAL COMPOUNDS
Table III shows test results for parameters that do not have a specific MCL.

Parameter Results Probable Source

Inorganic and Physical
Sodium 10.8 to 15.9 ppm Erosion of natural deposits and added during treatment
Average= 13.8 ppm
Calcium 5.71 to 7.96 ppm Erosion of natural deposits
Average= 6.75 ppm
Magnesium <1 to 1.45 ppm Erosion of natural deposits
Average of Detected Results= 1.22 ppm
Aluminium 15.1 to 41.4 ppb Erosion of natural deposits and byproduct of the drinking water treatment process
Average of Detected Results= 30 ppb
Total Hardness 18 to 25 ppm Erosion of natural deposits
Average= 22 ppm

Organic Chemicals
Chloroform 17.9 to 42.1 ppb Byproduct of drinking water chlorination
Average= 26.5 ppb
Dichloroacetic acid 7.2 to 13.2 ppb Byproduct of drinking water chlorination
Average= 10.6 ppb
Bromodichloromethane 2.2 to 4.3 ppb Byproduct of drinking water chlorination
Average= 2.9 ppb
Trichloroacetic acid 8.2 to 12.6 ppb Byproduct of drinking water chlorination
Average= 10.3 ppb

The EPA created the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to help keep drinking water safe. This
program looks for substances that might be in drinking water but don’t yet have official safety limits. By collecting data
from water systems, the EPA can learn how often these substances show up and decide if they need to set rules for
them in the future. Longmont performed monitoring and reported the analytical results of the monitoring to EPA in
accordance with its Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR). Our results for all contaminants were below
the laboratory's minimum reporting limit. Once EPA reviews the submitted results, the results are made available in
the EPA’s National Contaminant Occurrence Database (NCOD) at epa.gov/dwucmr/national-contaminant-occurrence-
database-ncod.

Definitions of terms

90th percentile: 90% of the samples were at or MGD — Million Gallons per Day: A measurement pCi/L — PicoCuries per Liter: As a measure of
below this level. of water flow. radioactivity.
AL — Action Level: The concentration of a MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level: pH — The measure of how acidic or basic the
contaminant which, if exceeded triggers The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in water is, reported in Standard Units (SU). See SU
treatment or other requirements which a water drinking water. There is convincing evidence that definition for more information.
system must follow. addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control ppb — parts per billion: A measure of
CDPHE — Colorado Department of Health and of microbial contaminants. concentration of a contaminant. Comparable to
Environment: Also referred to as "State", CDPHE MRDLG — Maximum Residual Disinfectant one penny in $10,000,000.
is a state agency that monitors and enforces Level Goal: The level of a drinking water ppm — parts per million: A measure of
safety standards for things like clean air, water disinfectant below which there is no known or concentration of a contaminant. Comparable to
and waste management. expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect one penny in $10,000.
EPA — Environmental Protection Agency: The the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control
microbial contaminants. ppt – parts per trillion: A measure of
EPA enforces the Clean Water Act by setting concentration of a contaminant. Comparable to
pollution limits and making sure communities ND — Not Detected: The contaminant or one penny in $10,000,000,000.
and industries keep water safe and clean. substance was not found in the water at a level
that could be measured using EPA-required SU — Standard Units: The unit of measure for
LRAA — Locational Running Annual Average: pH. A pH of 7 SU is considered neutral. A pH less
The average of analytical results for samples testing methods.
than 7 is acidic and a pH greater than 7 is basic.
taken at a particular monitoring location during NFWTP: Nelson Flanders Water Treatment Plant
the previous four calendar quarters. Treatment Technique: A required process
NTU — Nephelometric Turbidity Unit: Used to intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in
MCL — Maximum Contaminant Level: The describe the cloudiness of water. drinking water.
highest level of a contaminant that is allowed NWCD — Northern Water Conservancy District:
in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the Northern Water delivers water to northeastern
MCLGs as feasible using the best available Colorado for cities, farms, and industries. It
treatment technology. manages reservoirs and pipelines to ensure
MCLG — Maximum Contaminant Level Goal: a reliable water supply and supports water
The level of a contaminant in drinking water conservation and planning d to describe the
below which there is no known or expected risk cloudiness of water.
to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
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 F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D
QUESTIONS
Is Longmont’s water soft or hard? I have white particles in my water that clog my
Longmont’s water is soft and typically contains only 1-2 faucet aerators or settle to the bottom of a glass.
grains per gallon of hardness, a very small amount of What are these and are they harmful?
dissolved minerals. A water softener is not recommended. White particles in your water may be caused by deterioration
of the “dip” tube in your hot water heater. The dip tube is a
My water smells and tastes like chlorine. plastic tube that feeds the cold water to the water heater.
Why? What can I do about it? The particles are not toxic. You can test for this problem by
All municipal water providers are required by Federal and taking the following steps:
State regulations to disinfect their water and maintain a
1. Remove your faucet aerator.
residual level of disinfectant throughout the distribution
2. Fill pans or your sink separately with cold and hot
system. In Longmont, the chlorine levels are set at the water
water.
treatment plants, which are closer to the northwest portion
3. Look for white particles that settle to the bottom.
of the City’s distribution system. If you live in one of the
If the particles only show up in the hot water, the
neighborhoods on the north or west side of the City, chlorine
problem is in your water heater. Either the dip tube
may be more noticeable than in other parts of town. If you
or the heater will need to be replaced.
find the taste or odor objectionable, you can use after-
market filters or simply let the water sit for a period of time
to dissipate the chlorine. Why is my water cloudy when it comes out of the
tap but clears up after several seconds?
My water has a swampy or fishy smell. What’s This is caused by small bubbles of air that are dissolved in the
causing this and what can I do about it? water. Some air is already in the water delivered to your tap
Algae in our water sources can affect the taste and smell of and more can be added by aerators in faucets. During the
the water, and this can change throughout the year. Water winter, when tap water is colder, there is more dissolved air
treatment helps reduce these compounds, but it doesn’t in the water; as the water warms up, there will be bubbles
remove them completely. During certain times of the which clear from the bottom to the top of the glass. If the
year, water treatment plants use activated carbon to help water stays cloudy even after it has been in a glass for several
minimize these taste and odor changes. minutes, please call 303-651-8416 for additional information.
It’s important to know that these issues don’t mean the
water is unsafe to drink. If you’d like to reduce the taste and My water sometimes has a yellow or brown color.
odor at home, filters with activated carbon — like pitcher What’s causing this and what can I do about it?
filters or under-sink carbon block filters — can help. 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.

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Who should I contact if I have concerns about What are Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl
taste, odor or color in the water? Substances (PFAS) and have they been found in
The City’s Water Quality Laboratory responds to water
Longmont’s drinking water?
quality concerns and questions. You may call the lab at
PFAS are a family of human-made chemicals that are found
303-651-8416 for any additional information.
in a wide range of products used by consumers and industry
that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. Examples of
Is the water tested for contaminants other than these products are stain resistant carpets, non-stick pans,
those listed in the Tables in this report? water repellent and fire retardant clothing, food packaging,
and high temperature firefighting foam. There are thousands
Longmont tests for many other contaminants not listed in
of different PFAS, some of which have been more widely
this report. The Water Quality Laboratory samples and tests
used and studied than others.
for over 50 compounds, including organics, inorganics and
metals. The most recent tests showed no detectable levels of
these contaminants in Longmont’s water.
In 2013, as part of EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant
Monitoring Rule (UCMR), Longmont monitored for 6 PFAS
Does Longmont test its water for compounds. In 2020, in an effort to protect public health
pharmaceuticals or other similar chemicals? and understand PFAS concentrations in drinking water
Longmont has tested for chemicals in the St. Vrain watershed throughout the State, the CDPHE coordinated a voluntary
and is also participating in a testing program led by NCWCD, effort to monitor for 18 PFAS compounds in drinking
which manages the Colorado-Big Thompson water supplies. water. Longmont participated in this effort and, in addition
Trace concentrations of a few chemicals have been found to sampling treated drinking water, also sampled each
in the water sources. The sources and significance of these untreated water source prior to treatment. Testing methods
trace levels is unknown. Longmont will continue to monitor for these compounds continue to become more sensitive,
scientific and medical information related to the effects of and thus far, PFAS have not been detected in Longmont’s
pharmaceuticals and other similar chemicals in our source treated drinking water. As part of the 2023 UCMR, the City
water. There is currently no evidence that these chemicals sampled and tested for 29 additional PFAS compounds. None
have any adverse effects on humans at the very low levels of the PFAS compounds were detected.
that have been detected. Longmont is fortunate to have
water from rural and mountain watersheds that are not
affected by urban land uses that could be a source of Longmont will continue to monitor ongoing research
chemical contaminants. If you have questions, please call regarding the testing methodology and effects of PFAS on
Utilities & Public Works at 303-651-8416. human health and the environment. Providing high quality
drinking water, and being proactive in doing so, is extremely
important.
Does the City add fluoride to the drinking water?
Yes, the City adds fluoride to the drinking water, following
state guidelines to keep levels at 0.7 milligrams per liter. This
amount helps prevent tooth decay while keeping the risk of
dental fluorosis low. Extensive research shows that fluoride
at this level is safe and good for dental health. It’s also
supported by health organizations including the Center for
Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and
American Dental Association (ADA).

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 What about Bottled Water?
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
Is Longmont’s drinking water affected by
for tap water.
hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") operations
conducted by the oil and gas industry? Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably
Longmont obtains its water from rural and mountain be expected to contain at least small amounts of some
watersheds that are not affected by the impact of oil and contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not
gas drilling operations. As discussed in the “Looking After necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More
Longmont’s Watershed” section of this report, actual and information about contaminants and potential health effects
potential pollutant sources in our watershed are identified can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water
in a source water assessment that was completed by the Hotline (800-426-4791).
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, Is Longmont’s water supply adequate to meet the
not groundwater. Groundwater is more likely to be impacted demands of growth and drought in the future?
by drilling or well operations. The Colorado Energy and City Council has adopted a benchmark for supply that calls
Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) has much more for maintaining sufficient water supplies to meet water
information on its website about the oil and gas industry, demands for 10 years into the future in a 100-year drought.
including locations of wells and discussions of hydraulic In addition, 10% of our future water supply is anticipated
fracturing and water quality. For more information, please to come through conservation measures, a goal that is
visit http://ecmc.state.co.us. supported by the conservation practices outlined in the City’s
Raw Water Master Plan and the conservation strategies
outlined in the Water Efficiency Master Plan. The City also
Is the water safe to drink if I have special health has a water policy (adopted in 1963) that requires growth
concerns? to “pay its own way” with respect to water. Developers of
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants land annexed to the City are required to provide the water
in drinking water than the general population. needed to serve the development. The City’s existing water
Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer resources, the conservation goals and application of the
undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone water policy have resulted in a water supply that exceeds
organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune demand and meets the City’s drought benchmark. For more
system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be information on water conservation or the City’s water supply,
particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek visit the Longmont Water Conservation webpage at bit.ly/
advice from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines Longmont-Water-Matters.
on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by
Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminates are
available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-
4791.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Where can I get
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain more information?
contaminants in water provided by public water systems.
Visit our website at:
LongmontColorado.gov/Water
for Water Utilities, Water Resources, Drinking Water
Quality and Water Conservation information

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LEAD PROTECTION FOR

LONGMONT WATER
How can lead get into drinking water? Has the City checked for lead service lines?
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health New state and federal laws require cities to check all water
problems, especially for pregnant women and young service lines to find out what they’re made of. A water
children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from material service line is the pipe that connects the City’s main water
and components in service lines and home plumbing. The line to a building or home. In 2024, Longmont completed its
City of Longmont is responsible for providing high quality Lead Service Line Inventory and found that all water service
drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials lines in the City can be classified as Non-Lead. To view the
used in the plumbing in your home. service line inventory statement and to learn more about the
steps taken during this investigation, visit our website at
bit.ly/Lead-Protection-Longmont-Water. If you wish to view
What is the City doing to monitor lead in drinking the inventory or have questions about your service line,
water? please call Utilities & Public Works at 303-651-8461.
The City of Longmont knows lead and copper water
regulations are changing. Currently, we test water in homes
What were the lead and copper tap sampling
with lead plumbing parts or copper pipes with lead solder. To
results?
help prevent lead from getting into the water, Longmont also
In 2024, the City tested for lead in water by taking samples
treats its water to reduce corrosion.
directly from customers' taps instead of from the water
Longmont has tested its water for lead for over 20 years, and system. You can see the results by visiting our website at
the results have always been below the regulatory limits. We bit.ly/Lead-Protection-Longmont-Water. The next round of
follow all drinking water rules and are ready to meet any new testing will happen in 2027.
ones.

What can I do if I’m concerned about the

possibility of lead in my water?
Because lead levels may vary over time, lead exposure is
possible even when your tap sampling results do not detect
lead at one point in time. You can help protect yourself
and those you care about by identifying and removing lead
materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to
reduce your risk. Using a filter, certified by an American
National Standards Institute accredited certifier, to reduce
lead is effective in reducing lead exposures when the filter is
used properly. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and
making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead
from water.
When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can
minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your
tap for several minutes before using water for drinking or
cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water and
wish to have your water tested, contact Utilities & Public
Works at 303-651-8461. Information on lead in drinking
water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize
exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline
(800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

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 WANT TO SAVE WATER AND MONEY?

LONGMONT The City of Longmont makes it easy with rebates, programs

and educational resources!
WATER
FAST FACTS
Explore options like Waterwise Yard Seminars, Sprinkler
Assessments and rebates for water-efficient fixtures. You
5.27 billion can also take advantage of our Garden in a Box and Lawn
Replacement programs to save water and create a beautiful
gallons were treated
yard.
during the year.
By conserving water at home, you're not just lowering your
bills—you're helping secure our water supply for the future.

809 million Learn more at bit.ly/water-matters or call us at 303-651-8416.

gallons were treated

in the peak month
of July.

28.9 million
gallons were treated
on the peak day.

General Water Questions?

10,440 tests Call Utilites & Public Works at 303-651-8416 or check our website at
were done on the LongmontColorado.gov/water.

drinking water. 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 and
the Sustainability Advisory Board. For more information on board
meeting times and locations, please visit
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE: bit.ly/Boards_and_Committees.
Preserve the natural environment
in our watershed and provide a
reliable, high quality water supply Este folleto contiene informacíon importante
that protects public health. sobre la calidad del agua en su comuniddad.
Para solicitar el informe anual de calidad
del agua potable de Longmont en Español,
marque 303-651-8416.
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S TAY I N T H E K N O W W I T H

BACKFLOW CONTROL
The City of Longmont’s Backflow Prevention and Cross- What can you do to help?
Connection Control Program (BPCCCP) protects the City’s If your property has annual testing requirements for
potable water supply from pollutants and contaminants that backflow assemblies, please schedule and complete testing
exist at privately and publicly owned properties. by your property’s annual due date. Call 303-651-8416 or
visit longmontcolorado.gov/backflow to learn more.

What is a cross-connection?
A cross-connection is any connection, direct or indirect,
between a potable water supply and a non-potable
source where it is possible for non-potable and possibly
2024 REGULATORY
contaminated water to enter the public drinking water COMPLIANCE
system.

Cross-Connection Surveys
What is backflow?
Backflow refers to an event that causes water to flow in
the opposite direction than it is intended for. Backflow can 100% of known cross-connections were
occur in any pipeline or plumbing system due to pressure surveyed for level of hazard to the drinking
fluctuations in private and public water systems. This water system.
undesirable reversal of flow may cause non-potable fluids
or other substances through a cross-connection to enter the Backflow Testing & Inspections
public drinking water system.
99.6% of all backflow prevention control
How is backflow at cross-connections prevented? measures were tested and/or inspected,
To prevent backflow from occurring, the installation of a the remainder were controlled within the
backflow prevention assembly allows water to only travel in year.
the direction it is intended for from the public water system
towards the point of end use. Like all mechanical equipment,
components within a backflow assembly may fail at some Uncontrolled Cross-Connections
point causing the assembly to not function properly. For
this reason, it is important that all backflow assemblies are 100% of newly discovered uncontrolled
inspected and tested on an annual basis. cross-connections were controlled with
a backflow control measure within
Who is required to have backflow prevention regulatory deadlines.
assemblies installed and tested?
State of Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations
require all commercial, industrial and multi-family properties Since the inception of the Longmont
to be surveyed for cross-connections. The City of Longmont BPCCCP, the City of Longmont has always
performs routine inspections of plumbing systems at maintained compliance with backflow
properties to identify cross-connection hazards. If a hazard is prevention and cross-connection control
discovered, it must be controlled with an approved backflow regulations. For more information
control measure in a timely manner. It is the responsibility regarding the City of Longmont’s
of the property owner to install, test and maintain their BPCCCP please visit our website at
backflow preventer. longmontcolorado.gov/backflow

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 WATER To find more about water conservation, visit our web page at
CONSERVATION bit.ly/water-matters or call us at 303-651-8376.

VE AS T
A W SAVE
ER AND VE AS WATER AND SAVE
OUR Y T
A W S Y A WER
YOUR WATERWAYS
Irrigation of outdoor landscaping is the largest use of water
in the City. Reducing the water you use for irrigation leaves more
water for the future and saves you money.

Some of the things that can

The City, in partnership with the Resource Central, offers several programs to help
be done to conserve water can
you reduce your outdoor water use. The number is limited and it’s first come, first
also reduce the pollution in our served. Call the 303-999-3820 x217 or visit ResourceCentral.org.
environment. Any water that
goes into the soil will not end Garden in a Box. Automatic Sprinkler System Audits.
up on driveways, sidewalks, This is a professionally designed A sprinkler system inspector will take soil
streets or gutters where it xeriscape garden kit that samples, evaluate your system and watering
includes water-conserving schedule, measure the water output, look
can carry pollutants to the
plants and a for leaks, identify problems and recommend
storm drains. Storm drains “plant-by-number” improvements.
carry these pollutants directly plan.
to our creeks and waterways
without treatment, which can
harm aquatic life and affect
downstream uses.

You can save water,

save money and help Here are some things you can do to help water soak into the soil instead
the environment by: of running off and carrying sediment and other pollutants into the storm
drains.
• Making sure your sprinkler Create a drainage way, or swale, that Consider using
system does not waste water directs stormwater away from your house to permeable pavements
landscaped areas and allows it to soak into the for your garden walkways.
• Using plants that are soil. Add organic materials
adapted to our climate to your soil before planting
Use the proper sprinkler types and adjust
them so that they water the landscaping and so that the soil can retain
• Preparing your soil with more water. Soils in this area
not the sidewalk, street or driveway.
organic materials can take up to three cubic
yards of organic material
• Using landscaping features (such as compost) for
that allow water from both every 1000 square feet.
sprinklers and rainfall
to soak into the ground
instead of running off

STORMWATER To learn more about stormwater quality visit

16 Longmont Drinking Water Quality Report

303-651-8416 QUALITY KeepItCleanPartnership.org