Drinking Water Quality

2024 Drinking Water Quality Report

The City of Boulder is pleased to present the 2024 Drinking Water Quality Report, which summarizes water quality testing results from 2023. Read the Water Report PDF and learn about the city’s efforts to protect our water supply.

El Gobierno de la ciudad de Boulder se complace en presentar el Reporte de calidad de agua potable de 2024. El reporte resume los resultados de los análisis de la calidad del agua del año calendario 2023. Una copia digital del reporte está disponible en este enlace, que incluye todos los esfuerzos llevados a cabo por la ciudad de Boulder para proteger nuestro abastecimiento de agua.

Water quality samples are routinely collected in the water supply creeks and reservoirs, which include the Middle and North Boulder Creek watersheds, as well as Carter Lake and the Colorado-Big Thompson watershed. Water quality is also monitored at the water treatment plants and throughout the city.

Learn About or Report Drinking Water Quality

Water quality results

All drinking water, including bottled water, contains substances that do not necessarily pose health risks. The city goes above and beyond regulatory requirements, monitoring for 450+ water quality substances including basic chemistry, nutrients, bacteria, metals, disinfection byproducts, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, hormones, and radionuclides. The vast majority of these compounds and chemicals are not detected in drinking water.

Discolored water

Running several taps with cold water at full force for a short period may help flush the discolored water out of your system.
A general recommendation is to run the taps for five minutes.
If the water is not clear, wait for half an hour before running them for five minutes again.

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Make a request for Drinking Water Quality on Inquire Boulder
Call us
If you have additional questions, please call the Drinking Water Program at 303-441-3200.

Common Customer Questions

Chlorine Taste and Odor
The city uses chlorine to disinfect the drinking water. While the city uses the minimum amount necessary to keep drinking water safe, water can have a chlorine taste and odor. Chlorine will dissipate in drinking water if left in an uncovered container in the refrigerator overnight .
Rusty Water
Rusty brown/orange water can be caused by a main break, main replacement, construction activities, fire hydrant use, in-home plumbing, or hot water tanks. These activities can disrupt the water distribution system releasing iron from the pipe walls. Flushing the cold water tap should clear the water.
White or Cloudy Water
The white water is typically caused by small air bubbles, which will dissipate in a few minutes. If the white water is caused by flakes that don't disappear, this may be caused by a deteriorating dip tube in the property's hot water heater.
Pink or Black Mildew
Mildew can form in sinks, showers, toilets or areas with stagnant water. Clean fixtures regularly and fix leaks to reduce mildew and mold growth.
Water Hardness
Average water hardness for Boulder’s water is 42 mg/L, equivalent to 2.4 grains/gallon. Water hardness is determined by naturally occurring minerals, including calcium and magnesium.
PFAS
In 2023,, the city tested for PFAS and found no detections of PFAS compounds in city drinking water. Learn more about PFAS.

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