Ground Water
Hardness as CaCO3
The drinking water provided by the Parker Water and Sanitation District is currently all groundwater. Groundwater contains naturally occurring dissolved minerals that can create “hard water”.
The amount of hard water that you may notice is dependent on several factors including the time of the year and what the water demand is for the community.
As a result, the hardness value will vary depending on what wells are currently operating and supplying water.
The hardness value will be updated weekly based on a 30-day running average.
As of August 27, 2010:
Hardness = 94.8 milligrams per liter (mg/L) OR 5.5 grains per gallon (gpg)
Conversion from mg/L to gpg:
mg/L = gpg
17.1
Red Water
The water provided to our customers comes from groundwater wells. The wells range from less than 100ft to over 2000ft deep. The groundwater has a relatively high concentration of naturally occurring iron and manganese. As the water is pumped to the surface and chlorinated, the iron and manganese can come out of solution. The District currently adds a food-grade sequestering agent to help keep the iron from coming out of solution. In addition, each year we flush the distribution system to remove deposits of settled iron and improve water clarity. This annual event and other sudden changes in water velocity can create temporary water discoloration. Should you experience changes in your water quality please contact us at 303.841.4627. Please be aware that while the red water is perfectly safe, it can discolor clothing. It is important not to dry discolored clothing. Contact us at 303.841.4627 and we will deliver an iron removal product to your home.
Our Drinking Water
All of the water supplied to Parker Water & Sanitation District’s (PWSD) customers is groundwater pumped from Denver basin aquifers. Thirty wells and four booster stations supply water to five storage tanks with a combined storage capacity of 20 million gallons. In accordance with Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations, the water is disinfected by the addition of chlorine. To further enhance water quality, PWSD adds a kosher food-grade sequestering agent (SeaQuest) designed to minimize the effects of iron and minerals within the water distribution system.
Currently, fifty coliform drinking water samples are collected and analyzed each month. Samples are also taken from each water supply source and analyzed for organic, inorganic, and radiological constituents based on a three-year compliance period. The results are reported in the annual Consumer Confidence Report. In addition to supplying safe, clean drinking water, the Water Production Department is also responsible for locating all water and sanitary sewer utilities, responding to after-hours water and sewer emergencies, and answering customers water quality questions and concerns.
Parker Water customers enjoy safe, reliable water supplies that meet and exceed rigorous standards set by the state of Colorado and the federal government. Parker Water employees are dedicated to providing their customers with clean, high quality water.
Drinking water is regulated by federal and state agencies who operate under the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act. Parker tests its water for more than 130 substances, including bacteria, minerals, pesticides, and microorganisms.
Detailed information about Parker water can be obtained in the annual Consumer Confidence Report which is distributed to all PWSD customers.
Summary of The Parker Virus Project -- a twelve-month study of four bacterial indicator organisms, enteric viruses, two protozoans, Giardia and Cryptosporidium at two sites on Cherry Creek and from the AWT facility.
Drinking Water Concerns
Is my water safe to drink?
Parker Water and Sanitation District meets all regulatory mandates for clean water. Testing is done using sophisticated equipment and advanced procedures. Water quality is regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
How often does Parker Water test water for contaminants?
The Safe Drinking Water Act mandates an annual test and "Consumer Confidence Report," to explain important aspects of our water such as where it comes from and the level of contaminants as compared to allowable measurements. Beyond that, Parker Water tests weekly for bacteria in order to ensure safety and quality.
Are there regulations for safety and pollution?
Yes. Water quality is regulated by both the EPA and the Colorado Health Department. Parker meets and exceeds all quality standards.
Is there lead in my water?
The tiny trace amount contained in PWSD water is within acceptable, non-harmful levels and comes mainly from corrosion of household plumbing. Homes that are either very old (pre-WWII with lead pipes) or homes built between 1982 and 1987 using copper pipe with lead-based solder (later banned) are those at highest risk. Flushing tap water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes is effective in reducing lead. For more information, contact PWSD .