Latest Testing Results

• Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 3.7 parts per billion (ppb), well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, reflecting the city’s effective corrosion control treatment and relatively newer infrastructure.
• Testing Scope: Colorado Springs conducts over 80,000 water quality tests annually throughout the system, with sampling sites at both treatment facilities and customer taps across all pressure zones and elevations.
• Compliance Status: Colorado Springs water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining full compliance with EPA and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regulations.

Mountain Water Sources

• Reservoir System: Primary sources include Rampart Reservoir and reservoirs on Pikes Peak, with additional supply from Homestake, Turquoise, and Twin Lakes reservoirs in the Arkansas River basin.
• Transmountain Diversions: The Blue River Pipeline and Homestake Project transport water from the western slope of Colorado through tunnels under the Continental Divide.
• Watershed Protection: Over 120,000 acres of protected watershed lands help ensure exceptional source water quality through forest management, wildfire mitigation, and recreation management programs.

Advanced Treatment Technology

• Multiple Treatment Plants: The Pine Valley and McCullough water treatment plants utilize state-of-the-art processes including coagulation, clarification, filtration, and disinfection tailored to Colorado’s high-quality mountain water.
• UV Disinfection: Primary disinfection using ultraviolet light technology provides robust protection against pathogens like Cryptosporidium while minimizing chemical disinfection byproducts.
• Corrosion Control: Optimized pH adjustment and addition of zinc orthophosphate prevents leaching of lead and copper from plumbing materials, with constant monitoring and adjustment based on water chemistry.

Infrastructure Investment

• Southern Delivery System: This $825 million project completed in 2016 provides water pipeline infrastructure from Pueblo Reservoir, increasing system capacity and resiliency for future growth.
• Distribution System Management: Ongoing replacement of aging infrastructure with approximately 15 miles of water mains upgraded annually, prioritized through advanced condition assessment technology.
• Smart Utility Network: Advanced metering infrastructure and real-time monitoring provide early leak detection, pressure management, and water quality surveillance throughout the system.

Customer Programs and Sustainability

Colorado Springs provides extensive customer support including conservation rebates, free irrigation audits, and payment assistance for qualified residents. The utility’s WaterSense program offers education on efficient water use practices critical in this semi-arid climate. The city’s commitment to sustainability includes renewable energy integration for water treatment operations, watershed management to control erosion following wildfires, and long-range planning for climate resilience. Colorado Springs’ innovative approach balances reliable water delivery with conservation in a region where water resources are precious and limited. The utility’s forward-thinking water acquisition strategy and infrastructure investments ensure continued water security for this growing Front Range community.