We don’t often pause to consider the incredible value of a safe, reliable water supply in our everyday lives. But tap water does what no other water can do . . .
Public Health Protection
Pueblo’s water system allows us to drink from any public tap with a high assurance of safety. The Board of Water Works protects the health of all in our community by treating water to meet rigorous federal and state water quality standards.
Fire Protection
Pueblo Water owns and maintains over 3,700 fire hydrants, providing Pueblo’s Fire Department the reliable water at an adequate pressure they need to protect Pueblo from the ever-present threat of fire, keeping lives and property safe.
Support for the Economy
The beauty and recreational opportunities that our parks, golf courses and the Riverwalk Project bring to our lives, helps us realize how valuable our most precious resource really is.
The beauty and recreational opportunities that our parks, golf courses and the Riverwalk Project bring to our lives, helps us realize how valuable our most precious resource really is.
Pueblo's Water System
Pueblo's water supply originates high in the Rocky Mountains above Leadville, Colorado. Water from these high mountain watersheds flows into canals, creeks and streams and eventually into the Arkansas River.
Our water is then diverted via pipeline from Pueblo Reservoir to the Whitlock Treatment Plant, where it is treated and filtered. The finished water is pumped through a system of transmission mains to various storage tanks and pump stations throughout the city.
Water flows from these pump stations through a vast network of approximately 579 miles of water mains to the homes and businesses of Pueblo. This water treatment and distribution process continues 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Water hardness Data
Questions to Water Quality Supervisor at 719-584-0266
4/19/2024 (updated each Friday)
200.0 mg/L as Calcium Carbonate (11.7 grains per gallon)
Water Quality Reports
A report to our customers regarding the quality of water provided by the Board of Water Works of Pueblo, Colorado.
Este reporte demuestra a nuestros clientes la calidad del agua que el Board of Water Works of Pueblo sirvio a su comunidad. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre este reporte, llame a 584-0250, durante las horas de trabajo.
For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, or to receive a copy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and microbiological contaminants, call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Water Quality FAQ
Does water from my tap meet industry standards?
The water produced by Pueblo Water’s highly trained staff at its Whitlock Water Treatment Plant meets or exceeds all State and Federal drinking water standards and is perfectly safe to drink. If you have an internal problem with your plumbing or your home has a lead service line or plumbing that contains lead, you may want to consider a filter or treatment system.
Is there lead in my water?
The water that leaves the water treatment plant does not contain lead. However, some older homes contain lead service lines or lead plumbing components. The lead in those components can leach out and contaminate the drinking water in your home.
How do I know if I have a lead service line or lead plumbing?
If your home was built after 1987, it is very unlikely that your home has any lead plumbing components because the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986 essentially banned the use of lead-containing plumbing components. If your house was built before 1965, you have the potential to have a full or partial lead service line. If you have copper plumbing installed before 1988, it may have been installed with solder containing 50% tin and 50% lead. Be aware that if you install vintage plumbing fixtures such as faucets in your home, they may contain lead. If you have questions about lead plumbing or would like to have your water tested for lead, you can contact the Water Quality Laboratory at 719-584-0267. For more information on how to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water please visit: www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Who do you serve?
Pueblo Water serves homes and businesses within the city limits of Pueblo. Pueblo West and the St. Charles Mesa have their own water system.
Is our water hard?
The Total Hardness of the water produced by the Whitlock water treatment plant averages 180 mg/L (as CaCO3) or 10.5 grains per gallon. This is considered hard to very hard water. The hardness is lower in the summer when the snow runoff occurs and higher in the winter months. When water flows through soil and over rocks, it dissolves small amounts of minerals. Calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals that make water hard. Hard water is not considered a health hazard. However, it does interfere with cleaning tasks. Hard water can interfere with the effectiveness of many cleaners and causes glasses to be spotty after washing.
Why is my skin itchy and dry in the winter?
Colorado has a cold and dry climate in the winter. Heaters and hot showers further dry out your skin making it itchy and uncomfortable in the winter months.
Why is there a pink ring around my drain?
If you are seeing pink rings in your toilet, sink or shower, it is not a problem with water quality. It is likely the result of an airborne bacteria that thrives in moist areas. The best way to eliminate the problem is to clean with a bleach based cleaner.
Why does my water smell funny?
If you have an unusual odor to your water, it is likely coming from the plumbing in your house. Try putting the water in a glass and walking away from the sink to smell it. Most odors are caused by bacterial growth in the sink drain. Also, be sure to only drink and cook with cold water. Water heaters can also be a source of odor or contamination in your plumbing system. Be sure to flush them regularly.
Why is my water cloudy?
Cloudy water is likely caused by air bubbles trapped in the water and it is completely harmless. Let the water sit in an open container and the bubbles will naturally disappear
Why are there black particles floating in my water?
Sometimes homeowners will find black particles floating in their water. These are likely coming from the plumbing inside your home. The three most common sources of the particles are old pipes deteriorating and corroding, corroding water heaters, or gaskets or washers breaking down.
Is the water safe for my fish?
Pueblo Water uses chloramine to disinfect the water. While chloramine is safe for people and most pets, it is not safe for aquatic life in aquariums and ponds. A water conditioning agent or activated carbon filter specifically rated for chloramines must be used to remove the chloramines and make the water safe for aquatic life. Letting the water sit for a few days will not remove chloramine.
Pueblo Water
Pueblo Water is committed to providing the highest quality water at the lowest possible cost. We are equally committed to the workforce that helps achieve that goal.
We strive to create and maintain a professional environment that encourages and recognizes teamwork, individual contribution, and the integrity of each employee while providing the opportunity for each employee to grow within the organization.
