What is the pH of Thornton water?
The pH varies between 7.8 and 8.6 as a normal operating range. It's important to monitor the pH levels to prevent water from corroding the pipes in the distribution system. The City adds lime (calcium hydroxide) during the treatment process to maintain the pH level within this range.

Why does the taste and odor of the water change from time to time?
Thornton relies on surface water supplies from the South Platte River and Clear Creek watersheds. Conditions in the watersheds are continually changing which can affect conditions in the storage reservoirs. Water quality can be affected by a number of natural occurring conditions such as storms and algae growth as well as human activities.

Every attempt is made to maintain consistency of the taste and odor by blending water from different reservoirs. Changes in taste and odor are difficult to predict by laboratory testing because laboratory instrumentation is not as sensitive to many compounds as the human senses of taste and smell.

If I have a water problem, who should I call?
Call the Water Quality Line at 303-255-7770. Our Water quality staff can investigate the problem and will provide water quality testing if required.

Sometimes my water is cloudy. What causes this? Is it safe to drink?
Air can enter the distribution system, forming small air bubbles that give the water a cloudy appearance. This poses no health risk provided there are no particles present in the water. To check if your water has particles, allow a glass of water to stand for a few minutes.

The air bubbles should dissipate from the bottom up, leaving a clear glass of water. If particles are present after the water has cleared, contact the water quality line at 303-255-7770 to have your water checked.

My faucet and shower strainers are plugging up with small white particles. Where are they coming from?
This can be caused by one of two problems associated with the water heater. One problem is the accumulation of calcium deposits (hardness) in the heater. This can be corrected by flushing the water heater. The other problem is a result of deterioration of the cold water inlet pipe (dip tube). Dip tubes made of plastics can become brittle with the heat and begin to break apart. This problem can only be corrected by having the dip tube or water heater replaced. You can tell which problem you are experiencing by placing some of the white particles in a glass of water. If they sink to the bottom they are calcium deposits, and if they float they are plastic fragments of the dip tube. The dip tube fragments frequently have a greenish or bluish hue.  If you experience either problem, contact the city at 303-255-7770.

Is there fluoride in Thornton water? How about bottled water?
Thornton does not add fluoride to the tap water because fluoride is naturally present in the source water. Bottled waters have different levels of fluoride. The fluoride concentration of bottled water, may be listed on the label; if not, the concentration can be requested from the bottled water company.

What is the hardness of Thornton water?
Thornton’s water is typically in the medium hardness range not requiring a water softener. In 2007, the minimum hardness value ranged from 108 ppm (parts per million) to 260 ppm. Water below 50 ppm can be considered soft, and water above 400 ppm can be considered hard. The hardness of water is dependent on the type and quantity of minerals the source water comes into contact with in the environment.

Thirsting for more information?
For more information about Thornton water, call the Water Quality Information Line at 303-255-7770. For billing information, call 303-538-7370.

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