These monthly analyses contain water quality information that may be needed for brewing, aquariums, home photography and other hobbies.

Here are our last 12 months of reports:

• October 2024
• September 2024
• August 2024
• July 2024
• June 2024
• May 2024
• April 2024
• March 2024
• February 2024 
• January 2024
• December 2023 
• November 2023

Loveland Water and Power (LWP) takes the health and safety of our customers seriously. In our effort to maintain the highest health standards in our drinking water, we proactively and voluntarily monitor for Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS) in drinking water.

All results to date demonstrate that concentrations of the six PFAS compounds with EPA health advisory limits or suggested limits are absent or non-detectable.

In addition to these six compounds, we monitor for a more comprehensive list of PFAS. Monitored PFAS compounds are shown in the tables below. Loveland’s exposure risk to any PFAS compound is considered relatively low as there are no large industrial users or chemical manufacturers of PFAS. Additionally, there has been no use of PFAS containing compounds for fire suppression during any recent forest fires.

The EPA is in the process of finalizing regulations in the form of Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for select PFAS compounds for municipal drinking water systems, with implementation beginning in 2024. In-depth information on these new EPA requirements can be found here. Testing of Loveland drinking water has shown these compounds are not present or at concentrations below health advisory levels and EPA proposed MCLs.

We will continue monitoring for PFAS and implement all steps necessary to ensure Loveland continues to have excellent water quality. The Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) PFAS website can be found here, which provides information on health guidelines, exposure reduction recommendations and much more. Loveland PFAS data is available upon request.

PFAS compounds

EPA regulated

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)
Hexafluoropropylene Oxide (HFPO-DA or GenX)

EPA unregulated

Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)
N-methylperfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA)
N-ethylperfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA)
Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)
Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)
Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)
4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)
Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS)
Perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA)
1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS)
1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS)
1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS)
9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonan e-1-sulfonic acid
11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecan e-1-sulfonic acid
Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA)
Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA)

Green Ridge Glade Reservoir, LWP's source water storage, does experience naturally-occurring, seasonal algae blooms. Typically algae blooms occur in the late spring, but due to a number of environmental factors such as sunlight and temperature, algae blooms may occur at unexpected times of the year. For similar reasons, some algae blooms are more intense than others.

Algae releases taste and odor compounds that are normally absorbed by carbon during the water treatment process. During an algae bloom, or increase in algae, taste and odor compounds can make it through the treatment process. While it may not be aesthetically pleasing, it is not harmful. 

In 2015 and 2016, LWP experienced the largest algae bloom and taste and odor events in Loveland's history. Those events lead to a comprehensive study for algae mitigation and taste and odor reduction.  

• Algae Mitigation Assessment

As a result of the study, LWP implemented several strategies to help reduce algae-related taste and odor.

• LWP installed five SolarBee SB10000s mixers in Green Ridge Glade Reservoir.
• Water Quality staff completed a powdered-activated carbon optimization study to improve taste and odor removal.
• Water Quality staff increased taste and odor monitoring at the intake structure to the Loveland Water Treatment Plant.
• LWP has contracted with a lake management company to apply algaecide to Green Ridge Glade Reservoir in the event of an unforeseen bloom. 

Chlorine is the primary disinfectant used by LWP to prevent bacteria such as Legionnaires’ disease and E. coli from entering the water system. LWP adheres to regulations and requirements published by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure the removal of pathogens while maintaining the minimum level of chlorine allowed in the distribution system. 

In April 2016, the CDPHE and the EPA revised the rule that oversees the minimum chlorine level, increasing it over the prior regulations. In response, LWP increased the minimum chlorine residual, in our system to comply with these new standards. The CDPHE and EPA also regulate maximum levels for chlorine in drinking water. The chlorine level in our system, is significantly below the maximum allowed. At no time has LWP exceeded the maximum safe level for chlorine in drinking water. 

Loveland’s treated drinking water starts at the  Water Treatment Plant (WTP), on the west side of town, and travels to the east. As water travels through the city chlorine levels decrease. In order to maintain the required minimum level, throughout the system, chlorine levels must be higher leaving the WTP, on the west side of town. 

For more information about lead, see our Lead Reduction Program webpage.

The Lead and Copper Rule was established in 1991 to protect public health by minimizing lead and copper levels in drinking water by reducing water corrosivity. Lead and copper may enter drinking water from corrosion of lead and copper plumbing materials.

Loveland Water and Power (LWP) participates in all aspects of the Lead and Copper Rule from the moment the source water enters the plant until it comes through the taps of Loveland residents. Staff tests lead and copper, at the Water Treatment Plant and in designated homes. In 1991, LWP set up 60 sample sites in homes throughout the distribution system to test annually. Because of low lead and copper results, over the first three sampling events, LWP was given a reduced sampling plan that now consists of 30 samples from those 60 homes. These sites were chosen to reflect a variety of homes, new and older houses with copper piping and lead soldering and some with lead service lines. The sampling protocol is performed to reflect “worst case scenario”, and is done after water sits in piping for 6-8 hours with no water use. 

The EPA has set action levels (AL) of 0.015 mg/L (milligrams per liter) for lead and 1.3 mg/L for copper, based on the 90th percentile. An exceedance of an AL is not a violation, but can trigger other requirements such as community education programs. A community water system may exceed ALs in 10% of samples taken. Since the Lead and Copper Rule was established, Loveland has never, exceeded ALs in 10% of our samples.

To monitor the corrosiveness of the treated drinking water, the staff of the Water Treatment Plant and Water Quality Lab, checks both alkalinity and pH, analyzing pH continuously at the plant and throughout the system numerous times daily. Lead and copper analysis, along with pH and alkalinity are performed over and above what is required by the state and the EPA at the Water Treatment Plant.

Water Distribution crews check lines for lead piping and lead soldering whenever they repair mains or fix leaks. If they find any sign of the potential of lead while inspecting water meters and city service lines, they replace the meters and piping immediately. This practice has added an additional layer of protection to the city’s Lead and Copper Program.

How To Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

• Flush your pipes before drinking
• Only use cold water for eating and drinking
• Know that boiling water will NOT get rid of lead contamination
• Learn more about measures you can take to reduce lead in your drinking water from the EPA