How Is Water From Clear Creek Treated and Supplied to My Tap?
Treatment of Clear Creek water begins with sedimentation, oxidation reduction, coagulation and flocculation. Next the water is filtered and disinfected as the final steps. At this point it is dispersed as potable water for community use. The treated water is pumped to two reservoirs and 8 tanks around town. It is gravity fed through underground distribution pipes to your home. Visit the Water Treatment Plant section of the website for more information. 

Does my water contain lead and copper?
The answer is no. In the most recent study conducted in September of 2008 no lead or copper was detected. Historically, analysis of Golden’s water has shown that no lead or copper concerns exist, in new homes or old. Because of this, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment requires the City to do reduced lead-copper monitoring only once every three years instead of annually. By closely monitoring and controlling corrosion in the distribution system, metals in the pipes are prevented from being leached into the water.

Is Golden's drinking water hard?
Chemically speaking, no. Some companies sell "water softeners" to residents to reduce the degree of hardness in the water. Hard water tends to leave white mineral deposits on the ends of faucets and on shower curtains. Softeners can reduce this occurrence, and may make the water feel "slick" when showering. People who use well water may have significant water hardness and may consider using a softener. The hardness of Golden's water fluctuates seasonally as the water level in the creek fluctuates. The value usually ranges between 50 and 150 parts per million. Water is generally considered "hard" above 250 parts per million. Sometimes, grains per gallon (1 grain/gallon = 17.24 parts/million) are used as units of measurement for water hardness.

Does the City Fluoridate?
The addition of fluoride to our drinking water at the plant is not necessary. When ingested or applied topically during the years of tooth development, fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents tooth decay. The United States Public Health Service has determined the optimum concentration for fluoride in United States water to be in the range of 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million. Dissolved fluoride-containing minerals are measured year round in the water of Clear Creek. The level fluctuates seasonally, but is sufficient to meet the concentration suggested by USPHS.

Why do I notice a change in the way my water tastes?
As the weather warms up and snowmelt begins, materials deposited on the forest floor throughout the fall and winter begin to be flushed into Clear Creek. This is referred to as "spring runoff". Much of the material washed into the creek is organic in nature, such as decaying leaves, pine needles and branches. Some consumers may notice seasonal taste and odor variations in the drinking water which are attributable to increased concentrations of these organic materials. They are temporary and not harmful.

The water treatment plant staff is aware of the changes in tastes and odors encountered during spring or in times of low water levels in the creek. As a result, process modifications are employed to treat these seasonal fluctuations. After all, drinking water must not only comply with all applicable regulations, but should also be aesthetically pleasing for consumers.

Why does my water sometimes taste or smell like swimming pool water?
Chlorine is added to the drinking water as a disinfectant (required by Federal Law). The amount added is only enough to ensure that the water at your house is free of bacteria and parasites. Usually, this amount is about 1 milligram chlorine for each liter of water (1 part chlorine per million parts water). A slight chlorine odor or no odor indicates that the chlorine is working properly as a disinfectant. Some people buy sink filters to remove the chlorine for taste reasons. This is fine, but do not leave the filtered water out too long since it no longer has its disinfecting abilities.

Why does my water sometimes look brown?
The brown color is from rust that can form over time inside iron distribution pipes. Brown water may occur when water lines are agitated during routine line maintenance and repair. To eliminate the brown color, run your cold water for 3 to 5 minutes. If the color does not go away, contact the Public Works Department and Utililty Maintenance will flushe out the water lines through a nearby hydrant.

Why does my water sometimes look 'milky' or 'cloudy' ?
Cloudy water is usually the result of dissolved air in the water lines. Air may be introduced into the lines as a result of line maintenance, line repairs, or fire-hydrant operations. The condition is usually temporary, although it may take several hours for the air to dissipate in the lines. To check if the cloudy water is due to dissolved air, fill a glass with water and leave it on a counter for a few minutes. The water should become clear again. Cloudy water of this type is not a health risk. 

My faucet bubbler screens are clogged with white and gray particles. I've also noticed these particles in my bathtub. What is causing this?
Most likely this is a result of a defective hot water heater dip tube. During the years of 1993 – 1996 there were hot water heaters manufactured with defective "dip tubes". The dip tube is the pipe that brings the hot water out of the hot water tank for your use.

These defective tubes have elicited many water quality complaints in the City of Golden in the past few years. The symptoms are usually a combination of one or all of the following irritating items:

White or gray particles plugging your faucet bubbler screens.

White or gray particles in your bathtub.

Loss of flow from the hot water heater, or the appearance that the hot water is not recycling nearly as quickly as it should.

There was a class-action suit, which was active until December of 2000. The settlement in this suit required the replacement of the dip tube. Although the deadline for replacement under the class-action suit has past, if you are experiencing problems of this sort you can have the dip tube replaced, without replacing your entire hot water heater.

One of the quickest ways of determining what the particles are is to take the particles you have found in your strainer and put them into a glass with some vinegar. If after a day or so the particles are still there, they are more than likely from your dip tube. If they dissolve, the particles are more than likely calcium carbonate, which is a normal constituent of your water.

Calcium carbonate tends concentrate in the bottom of hot water heaters. As a normal maintenance action, you might consider hooking a hose to the bottom hose bib on the hot water heater and forcefully flushing the water for 5 minutes or so (Caution! This water will be hot!). This can help your hot water heater last much longer.

An excellent web site with helpful diagrams and a good explanation of the problem is www.rustylayton.com.

If you are installing a new hot water heater, it would be wise to check the date of manufacture on the appliance specification plate. There are still a few of these heaters floating around!

What do I do if my water does not flow?
If your water unexpectedly stops, there may be a break in the underground line near your house. Crews can be reached 24 hours a day to fix broken water lines. During business hours, Monday - Friday 8:00-4:00, contact Golden Public Works at 384-8151. After hours contact Golden Police Dispatch, at 384-8045. Crews will be sent to your neighborhood to repair the line.

Where can I find out more about Golden's drinking water?
The Environmental Services Division can be reached via email at esdiv@cityofgolden.net link here, or by calling 303-384-8181 for further information about water quality and local environmental issues. Free tours of the Drinking Water Plant are available for individuals or groups during normal business hours and can be scheduled by calling the Water Plant at 303-384-8187.