Contaminants in La Junta Water: A Comprehensive Guide
La Junta, Colorado is a city with a complex water supply system that is contaminated with a variety of chemicals and minerals. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Health Guidelines, the water in La Junta contains 11 contaminants that are known to be harmful to human health, even at low levels.
Antimony: A naturally occurring metal that can be harmful to human health at high levels. Antimony can cause cancer, kidney damage, and other health problems.
Barium: A metal that can be found in groundwater and can be harmful to human health at high levels. Barium can cause nerve damage, muscle weakness, and other health problems.
Cadmium: A metal that can be found in groundwater and can be harmful to human health at high levels. Cadmium can cause kidney damage, cancer, and other health problems.
Chlorinated solvents: A group of chemicals that are used in industrial processes and can be harmful to human health at high levels. Chlorinated solvents can cause cancer, liver damage, and other health problems.
Dibromoacetic acid: A chemical that is formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. Dibromoacetic acid has been linked to cancer and other health problems.
Dibromochloromethane: A chemical that is formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. Dibromochloromethane has been linked to cancer and other health problems.
Dichloroacetic acid: A chemical that is formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. Dichloroacetic acid has been linked to cancer and other health problems.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5): A group of chemicals that are formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. HAA5s have been linked to cancer and other health problems.
Nitrate: 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.
Radium: A naturally occurring radioactive element that can be found in groundwater. Radium can cause cancer and other health problems.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs): 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.
Uranium: A naturally occurring radioactive element that can be found in groundwater. Uranium can cause cancer and other health problems.
The La Junta Water District is aware of the contaminants in its water supply and is working to reduce the levels of these contaminants. However, it is important for residents of La Junta to be aware of the risks associated with drinking contaminated water and to take steps to protect their health.
Here are a few tips for residents of La Junta to reduce their exposure to contaminants in their drinking water:
- 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.
If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, 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. Please contact us if you would like to schedule a water filtration consultation.
