Castle Rock Water Quality
Arsenic
Barium
Chromium
Nitrates
Castle Rock Water Quality 2023
According to the 2023 Water Quality Report, Castle Rock has once again met with EPA health standards for contaminants in drinking water samples. This does not mean, however, that there are no contaminants at all in the water. On the contrary, dangerous substances are present that, even in trace amounts, could be hazardous to your health. The EPA has not updated its standards for over 20 years, so understanding what contaminants are present and how to purify your water is essential.
What Is Arsenic?
Arsenic is a metalloid element that can be found primarily alongside other elements, like sulfur> Rarely, it can also be found in nature in its pure crystalline form.
Why is Arsenic in Castle Rock Drinking Water an Issue?
In its inorganic form, arsenic is highly toxic. Classified as a Group A carcinogen, it can lead to cancer with prolonged exposure. It is also associated with cardiovascular issues and heightened risk of cognitive problems in unborn children.
Additionally, arsenic tends to accumulate in the body over time as it isn't naturally eliminated from tissues and the bloodstream. This is what is known as “bioaccumulation,” a problem also attributed to microplastics and PFAs.
How Does Arsenic Enter Castle Rock’s Water?
Arsenic naturally exists in the Earth's crust and seeps into groundwater through the erosion of rocks and sediment.
Arsenic Levels in Castle Rock Water
The 2022 Water Quality Report indicated an average arsenic concentration of 0.14 parts per billion (ppb) in Castle Rock’s water, within the federally recommended level of 10 ppb or less.
What Is Barium?
Barium, symbolized as Ba with atomic number 56, is a highly reactive, soft metal found only in combination with other chemical compounds like barium sulfate.
Negative Effects of Barium in Castle Rock’s Water
Unlike arsenic, barium doesn't accumulate in the body or cause cancer. However, prolonged exposure affects the nervous system, causing tremors, breathing difficulties, muscle weakness, heart irregularities, and potential paralysis. Water-soluble barium may harm organs like the eyes, even leading to blindness.
How Does Barium Contaminate Drinking Water?
Similar to arsenic, barium enters Castle Rock’s water supply primarily through the erosion of rocks containing barium-containing compounds.
How Much Barium is in Castle Rock Water?
The 2023 report found an average barium concentration of .14 ppm in Castle Rock’s drinking water, which is in compliance with EPA standards of 2 ppm or less.
What Is Chromium?
Chromium naturally occurs in the Earth's crust and is valued for its use in stainless steel. It increases the alloy’s hardness and helps it resist corrosion.
Chromium Health Effects
Chromium exists in different states; while Cr III poses no threat and actually aids insulin regulation, Cr VI is highly toxic. It has been linked to stomach tumors, other cancers, and skin irritation. Like arsenic, chromium accumulates in the body, meaning it can build up to higher levels over time.
How Chromium Enters the Water Supply
A significant portion of Cr VI enters groundwater from runoff at steel and pulp mills. Chromium may also start as Cr III and later oxidize to Cr VI in water.
Chromium Contamination in Castle Rock’s Drinking Water
Due to its oxidizing ability from a non-toxic state to a hazardous state, all chromium in drinking water is assumed to be the toxic form. Castle Rock’s 2022 sample showed an average of 1.57 ppb total chromium, well within the EPA range of less than 100 ppb.
What Are Nitrates?
Nitrates were also on the list of contaminants in Castle Rock’s water supply. These compounds are used predominantly in agricultural applications and in explosives. They are easily dissolved in water in both their organic and inorganic form, which makes them a threat to aquatic life.
Dangers of Nitrate as a Castle Rock Water Contaminant
Certain levels of nitrate are not generally problematic. We consume small amounts regularly by eating foods like arugula, beets, and spinach. But higher levels of nitrate exposure have environmental issues, including algae blooms that suffocate fish and other aquatic life. Absorption in the water by animals has also been linked to immune system problems and delayed growth.
Although we have firm evidence supporting the dangers of nitrate to aquatic life, studies regarding its safety in human beings are elusive. Emerging research is finding connections between nitrate exposure and blood pressure issues, muscle cramping, intestinal problems, and poor oxygen absorption in the blood.
Nitrate Levels in Castle Rock Water
The 2023 Castle Rock Water Quality report found an average of 0.23 ppm of nitrates in their sample. The source of these nitrates is usually fertilizer runoff and septic tank leaching. Although this level is under the EPA recommendation of 10 ppm, it is 3 times higher than Parker’s nitrate levels.
Removing Contaminants from Castle Rock Water
Considering the dangers these contaminants pose, why tolerate any level in your family's drinking water? Install a home reverse osmosis system to eliminate these and other contaminants.
If you are in Castle Rock and looking for a cost-effective, efficient method to purify your home’s drinking, cooking, and bathing water, contact the Water Pros. Alongside a quality water softener, a reverse osmosis filtration system will ensure your family is never exposed to these dangerous contaminants. Call or
visit us online today to get started.