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Colorado
Contaminants in Your State
Nitrate
Coliform (TCR)
TTHM
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Fluoride
Arsenic
Selenium
Bromate
Chlorine dioxide
Nitrate
Description
Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units which combine with various organic and inorganic compounds. The greatest use of nitrates is as a fertilizer. Once taken into the body, nitrates are converted to nitrites.
Health Effects
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.
Coliform (TCR)
Description
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms found in more samples than allowed is a warning of potential problems.
Health Effects
Not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present5
TTHM
Description
Trihalomethanes occur when naturally-occurring organic and inorganic materials in the water react with the disinfectants, chlorine and chloramine.
Health Effects
Liver, kidney or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Description
Haloacetic acids occur when naturally-occurring organic and inorganic materials in the water react with the disinfectants, chlorine and chloramine.
Health Effects
Increased risk of cancer
Fluoride
Description
Fluoride compounds are salts that form when the element, fluorine, combines with minerals in soil or rocks. Many communities add fluoride to their drinking water to promote dental health.
Health Effects
Bone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); Children may get mottled teeth
Arsenic
Description
Arsenic is a semi-metal element in the periodic table. It is odorless and tasteless. It enters drinking water supplies from natural deposits in the earth or from agricultural and industrial practices. Approximately 90 percent of industrial arsenic in the U.S. is currently used as a wood preservative, but arsenic is also used in paints, dyes, metals, drugs, soaps, and semi-conductors. Agricultural applications, mining, and smelting also contribute to arsenic releases in the environment.
Health Effects
Skin damage or problems with circulatory systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer
Selenium
Description
Selenium is a metal found in natural deposits such as ores containing other elements. The greatest use of selenium compounds is in electronic and photocopier components, but they are also widely used in glass, pigments, rubber, metal alloys, textiles, petroleum, medical therapeutic agents, and photographic emulsions.
Health Effects
Hair or fingernail loss; numbness in fingers or toes; circulatory problems
Bromate
Description
Bromate occurs when bromide in the water reacts with the disinfectant, ozone.
Health Effects
Increased risk of cancer
Chlorine dioxide
Description
Chlorine dioxide is a water additive used to control microbes and can be used to control tastes and odors. It rapidly disappears from stored water.
Health Effects
Anemia; infants & young children: nervous system effects
Latest Boil Water Advisories
Date Reported | Location Affected | Number of People Affected | Cause | Time Lasted |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023-03-14 | Durango, Colorado | Unknown | Not listed | N/A |
2023-03-09 | Estes Park, Colorado | Unknown | Not listed | N/A |
2023-02-22 | Cortez, Colorado | Unknown | Not listed | N/A |
2023-02-12 | Greeley, Colorado | Unknown | Not listed | N/A |
2023-02-06 | Greeley, Colorado | Unknown | Not listed | N/A |