The drinking water you receive at your tap is provided by Denver Water through several connections to the network of pipes owned by Platte Canyon Water & Sanitation District.
Back in 2012, Denver Water exceeded the action level for lead in drinking water. This level (at 15 parts per billion) is set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. As a result of this exceedance, Denver Water was required to conduct a study on multiple treatment options to reduce the potential for lead entering drinking water from lead service lines and household plumbing. Based on the results, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the state regulatory agency that oversees drinking water regulations, is requiring Denver Water to begin adding orthophosphate in March 2020 in accordance with regulatory requirements.
On Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, Denver Water submitted its Lead Reduction Program Plan to the Environmental Protection Agency and has opened a public comment period on the plan until Oct. 10. The Lead Reduction Program Plan is a proposed alternative to the orthophosphate mandate.
The District encourages its residents and customers to review the proposed Plan and consider submitting comments to Denver Water. All comments will be provided to EPA and CDPHE for consideration as they determine the final course of action. A decision is expected to be made by the end of 2019.
To view the executive summary and provide a comment, visit https://www.denverwater.org/your-water/water-quality/lead/lead-reduction-program/comment.
Additional information and resources regarding Denver Water’s general approach to lead in drinking water can be found at www.denverwater.org/lead.