You may notice a difference in the taste and odor of your water. The difference in the taste and odor of the water is the result of blending Little Thompson Water District’s alternate water source from Dry Creek Reservoir with its primary water source from Carter Lake Reservoir. In preparation for times of higher water demand, such as during a drought or an emergency, the district is blending its water to improve the quality of water from Dry Creek Reservoir and ensure customers have an adequate supply.
It’s important to know that water taste and odor do not correlate with water quality or safety. Little Thompson Water District’s water treatment facility, Carter Lake Filter Plant, continually monitors and tests water against a variety of strict parameters prior to it leaving the plant to ensure it meets all state and federal regulations and is safe to drink.
In collaboration with our treatment facility, Carter Lake Filter Plant, we are working to refine the blend of our alternate and primary water sources to resolve the change in taste and odor some customers are experiencing. We are also pursuing a wide variety of alternatives and improvements to the treatment process to expedite a resolution. In the meantime, here are a few things you should know:
Q: Why does my drinking water taste and smell different?
A: The difference in the taste and odor of the water is the result of blending Little Thompson Water District’s alternate water source from Dry Creek Reservoir with its primary water source from Carter Lake Reservoir. The district is blending its water in anticipation of the ongoing drought to ensure customers have an adequate supply. It’s important to know that water taste and odor do not correlate with water quality or safety. You are still receiving high-quality water.
Q: Is my water safe to drink and use?
A: Yes! You are still receiving safe, high-quality water. It’s important to know that water taste and odor do not correlate with water quality or safety. Little Thompson Water District’s water meets all water quality standards as set forth by the federal government and the state of Colorado. The latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as a drinking water quality report, covering data for the 2022 calendar year is publicly available on our website at littlethompsonwd.colorado.gov/water-quality-reports. The district has no health-based violations or formal enforcement actions for the current reporting period.
Q: How long will my water be like this?
A: We will be utilizing our alternate water source, Dry Creek Reservoir, through the summer irrigation season to ensure adequate supply to meet the high demand on the system. We are actively pursuing alternative treatments and solutions to address the change in taste and odor as quickly as possible, however, you may notice a difference through September.
Q: Is there anything I can do to improve the taste and odor of my water?
A: For customers who are more sensitive to taste and odors, we recommend installing a carbon filter which will typically reduce flavors and scents. A carbon filter can be purchased from any major retailer such as Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, or any hardware store.
Q: What are you doing to fix the problem?
A: The district and its treatment facility, Carter Lake Filter Plant, are working on refining the blend of its alternate and primary water sources to resolve the change in taste and odor some customers are experiencing. We are also pursuing a wide variety of alternatives and improvements to the treatment process to expedite a resolution.
Q: Why does Little Thompson Water District continue to use Dry Creek Reservoir if it’s causing problems?
A: Dry Creek Reservoir is the district's alternative water source that we sometimes need to tap into during drought conditions or emergency conditions to ensure an adequate water supply during periods of high demand such as the summer irrigation season. Over the last 60 years, the district has gone to great lengths to secure a robust and diversified water supply to help protect against drought and provide ample storage, including that in Dry Creek Reservoir. It is important to continually ensure the ability to treat the water in our reservoir so it is ready for its intended usage in emergent or drought conditions.