Residents in Silt will have private wells or the municipality delivering their water. The sources of Silt’s municipal drinking water include groundwater and surface water: a well and a diversion from the Colorado River. Contaminants that may be present in Silt water include bacteria, inorganic salts and metals, pesticides, herbicides, radioactive compounds, and synthetic or volatile organic chemicals.
As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals, and in some cases, toxic or radioactive material. Water can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animal or human activity.
The Silt area has many potential sources of contamination: Bacteria, or microbial contaminants, may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, wildlife, or agricultural operations. Heavy metals may be naturally occurring, but may also result from urban storm water runoff, wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. Radioactive compounds, synthetic or volatile compounds, pesticides, and herbicides are also found in water due to many of the aforementioned practices.
The history of an area can affect its present-day water quality. Early Silt was primarily a farming town. While early agricultural practices may have caused slight variations in the water system, the oil and shale industry that boomed in the late 1970s and early 1980s had more profound impacts on the surrounding water quality. This article by Colorado State University describes in detail how human activities such as those listed above can present opportunities for pollution and contamination. Today, Silt hosts multiple housing developments and a business park that are all within Aspen WaterWise’s service boundaries.
Though the municipal water should be regularly tested, there were periods in 2021 when there was a failure to monitor and/or report on turbidity, lead, copper, and chlorine. It is highly advised, no matter which water you use, to carefully monitor its condition and the way its quality may fluctuate. Aspen WaterWise performs numerous water tests to identify contaminants and develops tailored treatment systems to remove them.
One of the most troubling contaminants we’ve found in Silt water is Styrene. This volatile organic compound (VOC) can be found in water after the release from the manufacturing, use, and/or disposal of styrene-based products. When consumed, styrene can have negative effects on our nervous system. It can change our ability to view different colors, slow our reaction time, affect our mental clarity, and even our ability to balance.
Silt generally has acidic water. Those on a well might be concerned about their water’s pH because their water will not be regulated by the municipality. Using or consuming acidic water it is highly advised against – please contact Aspen WaterWise today to discuss any concerns. Acidic water can cause metals to leach from wells and pipes and ultimately affect the health of your teeth and bones. Metals commonly found around Silt include copper, lithium, magnesium, silica, strontium, and zinc.
Aspen WaterWise has over 35 years of experience applying a variety of methods that increase your water’s pH. Aspen WaterWise uses organic mineral blends to create alkaline water for you, your family, and your guests. Even when compared to tap, alkaline water is favored because it is packed with a medically recommended dose of health-benefiting minerals. Aspen WaterWise’s alkaline water comes with several other benefits that you can read about here.
Silt’s 2022 consumer confidence report can be found here. Discover how your water can impact your quality of life by contacting Aspen WaterWise today.
