Nitrates in Drinking Water – 0.517
Print this fact sheet by J.R. Self and R.M. Waskom (11/13)* Quick Facts… Nitrate is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless compound that is present in some groundwater in Colorado. Nitrate can be expressed as either NO3 (nitrate) or NO3-N (nitrate-nitrogen). Nitrate levels above the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level of 10mg/l NO3– N or 45 mg/l […]
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Drinking Water Quality and Health – 9.307
View the Full PDF Fact Sheet What is water quality and why is it important? In its purest form, water is two parts hydrogen to one part oxygen, but the presence of other components determines the quality of water. Water quality is defined as the suitability for consumption based on physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. […]
Take a TourRainwater Collection in Colorado – 6.707
Print this fact sheet by P.E. Cabot, C.C. Olson, R.M. Waskom and K.G. Rein* (4/16) Quick Facts Most homeowners in Colorado are now allowed to use rain barrels to collect rainwater. A maximum of two rain barrels with a combined storage of 110 gallons or less are allowed at each household. Collected rainwater may be […]
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Water Conservation In and Around the Home – 9.952
Print this fact sheet by R. Waskom and M. Neibauer* (10/14) Quick Facts… Water supply planners estimate that a typical household needs 0.4 -0.5 acre feet of water per year (approximately 150,000 gal) to satisfy the demands of a home and landscape. The installation of low-flow plumbing fixtures can save up to 30 percent of […]
Take a TourGlossary of Water Terminology – 4.717
Print this fact sheet by R. Waskom and M. Neibauer (5/12) Quick Facts…. Water in Colorado is administered under the doctrine of prior appropriation or “first in time, first in right doctrine”. The state constitution declares that “the right to divert the unappropriated waters of any natural stream to beneficial uses shall never be denied.” […]
Take a TourDomestic Water Quality Criteria – 0.513
Print this fact sheet by J.R. Self *(11/13) Quick Facts… Two types of tests — bacteriological and chemical — are used to assess domestic water quality. The Colorado State University Soil, Water and Plant Testing Laboratory is equipped to determine the chemical constituents of water. Local county health departments or the Colorado Department of Health […]
Take a TourEmergency Water Supplies and Treatment – 6.704
Print this fact sheet by R. Waskom* (12/14) Quick Facts… The human body can survive for weeks without food, but only a few days without water. In preparing for an emergency, store at least a three-day supply of water for each member of your family. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs […]
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Bacteria in Water Wells – 6.703
Print this fact sheet by R. Waskom and T. Bauder 1 (10/13) Quick Facts… Bacterial contamination of drinking water can cause serious human illness. Bacterial slimes in irrigation wells may clog pumps and pipes. Bacterial contamination can be controlled by well chlorination, proper septic system and well maintenance, and good sanitation practices. Coliforms are a […]
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Addressing the Impacts of Wildfire on Water Resources – 6.706
Print this fact sheet by R. Waskom, J. Kallenberger, B. Grotz, and T. Bauder* (12/14) Quick Facts… Fire damage to ground level and underground structures can lead to well contamination and malfunction of wastewater systems. Well owners need to inspect and test well and septic systems following impact by wildfire. Wildfire impacts to irrigation water […]
Take a TourWater Storage
Pat Kendall and Melissa Bardsley, Colorado State University Extension food science and human nutrition specialists; Glenn Bodner, Colorado Department of Health and Environment, Division of Water Quality and Control, drinking water engineer An unexpected blizzard, ice storm, tornado or flood can create water supply and safety problems. To be prepared for such events, experts advise […]
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