Source Water Protection

Arvada residents depend on a reliable supply of safe, high-quality drinking water. Protecting our drinking water is essential to preserve our own health and economy and that of future generations. The City and residents both have important roles to play in protecting the source water on which we all depend.

What you can do

• Following the Clean, Drain, Dry procedure for all equipment after recreating in the reservoir.
• Properly using and disposing of household hazardous waste.
• Minimizing the use of lawn and garden chemicals.
• Keeping unwanted materials out of storm drains.
• Consider volunteering to Adopt-A-Street.
• Volunteering as a Ranger for Arvada Reservoir.

What the City does

• Monitoring activity in our watersheds.
• Monitoring the water quality of our canals and the Arvada Reservoir.
• Managing weeds and harmful algae in and around the reservoir.
• Protecting our drinking water source from contaminants by allowing only non-motorized and non-contact recreation in the Arvada Reservoir.
• Performing watercraft inspections to help stop the spread of invasive species like Zebra and Quagga mussels.
• Participating with and supporting local / regional wildfire protection efforts in Clear Creek County, Jefferson County, and Boulder County.
• Communicating regularly with Denver Water regarding operational changes to water supply.
• Communicating with CO Legacy Land and receiving monitoring and operational information regarding legacy mines.
• Planning for future projects, educational opportunities, and best management plan implementations.

Source Water Protection Plan

In 2021, Arvada published a Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP). This work was done in conjunction with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Colorado Rural Water Association, and the City earned a $5000 grant for the implementation. Water Quality staff used the grant money towards a new monitoring boat and an educational sign at the Arvada Reservoir.