Contaminants in Idaho Springs Water: What You Need to Know

Idaho Springs, Colorado is a beautiful mountain town with a lot to offer visitors. However, the town’s water supply has been found to contain several contaminants, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Health Guidelines. These contaminants include arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), perchlorate, and radionuclides.

While the levels of these contaminants in Idaho Springs water are below the EPA’s maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), the EWG Health Guidelines are more stringent and take into account the potential health risks of exposure to even low levels of contaminants.

Here is a brief overview of each contaminant and the potential health risks associated with it:

• Arsenic: Arsenic is a naturally occurring metal that can be harmful to human health at high levels. Arsenic can cause cancer, skin problems, and other health problems.
• Nitrate: Nitrate is a nutrient that can be found in fertilizers and manure. High levels of nitrate in drinking water can be harmful to infants, causing a condition called blue baby syndrome.
• Fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral that is added to drinking water in many communities to help prevent tooth decay. However, high levels of fluoride can also be harmful, especially to children under the age of nine.
• Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs): TTHMs are a group of chemicals that are formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. TTHMs have been linked to cancer and other health problems.
• Perchlorate: Perchlorate is a chemical that is used in rocket fuel and fireworks. Perchlorate can interfere with the thyroid gland, which can lead to health problems such as hypothyroidism.
• Radionuclides: Radionuclides are naturally occurring radioactive elements that can be found in groundwater. Radionuclides can cause cancer and other health problems.

If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water in Idaho Springs, you can have your water tested by a certified laboratory. You can also talk to your doctor about how to reduce your exposure to contaminants in your drinking water. Here are a few tips:

• Install a water filter that is certified to remove the contaminants that are of concern to you.
• Boil your water for at least one minute to kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present.
• Avoid drinking bottled water that is not spring water, as it may contain the same contaminants as tap water.

By taking these steps, you can help to protect your health from the contaminants in Idaho Springs water. If you are ready to bring clean water to your home or place of business, please give us a call today!