Fort Collins Utilities Observes National Drinking Water Week, May 2-8
Posted on: May-03-2021
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Fort Collins Utilities will celebrate the safety, quality, and reliability of our drinking water during Drinking Water Week, May 2-8. We want to give a big thank you to all our water operations staff who are taking all the necessary steps to maintain safe, reliable water service 24/7/365.
Since the 1880s, Utilities has provided drinking water to community members and businesses in Fort Collins. From public health protection and fire suppression to the critical role water plays in supporting the local economy, Drinking Water Week recognizes the importance of quality water and the employees who provide it.
The Cameron Peak Fire was the largest wildfire in Colorado history and much of the burn area is within the Poudre River watershed. We are likely to see sediment and ash flow into the Cache la Poudre River, and we are working to mitigate impacts to our water supply. Utilities is committed to providing safe and reliable water to residential and commercial customers. Treated water will continue to meet or exceed standards established under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Fort Collins Utilities drinking water facts:
- Our drinking water consistently exceeds state and federal standards for purity and quality.
- The Water Treatment Facility has a capacity of 87 million gallons per day. After treatment, the water is distributed through 525 miles of underground water lines.
- Utilities’ Water Quality Lab responds to quality concerns 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- In 1984, eight years before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required corrosion control, Utilities implemented a successful corrosion control program to prevent the leaching of lead and copper from water pipes.
- Water field operations personnel maintain 544 miles of water distribution pipes, over 13,350 water valves and are responsible for over 3,825 fire hydrants.
- Crews perform leak detection on approximately 132 miles of pipe each year and respond to water main breaks 24 hours a day.
- The Water Treatment Facility achieved the 15-year Directors’ Award from the Partnership for Safe Water in 2015.
- In 2016, the Water Treatment Facility received the prestigious “President’s Award,” and the distribution system was awarded the “Director’s Award” from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Partnership for Safe Water.
- In 2018, the water distribution and treatment systems were awarded the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies Platinum Award for Utility Excellence.
- In 2019, Fort Collins drinking water took first place in the American Water Works Association Rocky Mountain Section’s drinking water taste test challenge.
- In 2020, the Water Treatment Facility provided 8.7 billion gallons of clean, safe drinking water to Fort Collins homes and businesses.
For more information, visit fcgov.com/water, fcgov.com/water-status, email utilities@fcgov.com, call 970-221-6692 or V/TDD 711.
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Mark Kempton, Water Production Manager
- 970-221-6692
- mkempton@fcgov.com
Did You Know?
To keep high-efficiency toilets and sinks performing well, remember to only flush the three Ps and throw FOG in the trash.
When it rains, pollutants go down storm drains, contaminating our water bodies. Small leaks and drips add up. Don’t drip and drive.
We continually work to improve our infrastructure and distribution systems. See what’s in the works.