Watch VideoWater quality testing in Colorado Springs
Bill Folsom
What’s in our water? It’s a question pondered these days by many in Colorado who have learned about the salmonella outbreak in the town of Alamosa linked to their water system.
There’s no hint of any water problems in El Paso County and that’s the way water quality managers plan for things to stay. The area has a reputation for some of the best tasting water in the country, that’s also kept very clean.
"That doesn't mean we can let our guard down. We always have to keep an eye on it” according to Mike McCarthy, El Paso County Health Department Air and Water Quality Program Director.
There are close to twelve different water suppliers in El Paso County. Water quality managers for the county do around one hundred eighty random tests each month.
“They screen it for fecal contamination and all kinds of different bacteria to make sure that it’s still in compliance,” says McCarthy, who points out they also test for things they want in the water. "At least one of them has to be taken on the farthest point in the distribution system. So that we can make sure chlorine is along for the ride all the way to the tips of their distribution system."
There are also a lot of people who get their water from private wells. Their water quality is personal responsibility. “People that are on wells bring in samples all the time,” says McCarthy, who recommends private well operators test their water at least once a year.
In El Paso County the plan is to live up to a positive water reputation. The preference is proactive rather than reactive.
