OEM Update: December 31, 2012

Office of Emergency Management Update: December 31, 2012

 Information included in this week's update:
  • New Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Website
  • 2013 Colorado Emergency Management Conference
  • Colorado Emergency Preparedness Partnership Meeting
  • OEM Staff Announcements
  • Open Position Announcements
  • Emergency Management and Planning Degree Programs
  • Safety Tips Sheets from NFPA
  • Denver CERT Courses
  • Training Information
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DHSEM Launches New Website

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Mangement has launched a new website at www.dhsem.state.co.us.

The site provides resources and information to support the Colorado community including individuals within the state, emergency managers and local emergency responders.

It features a searchable Resource Library, Training Announcements, a Networking Center and Quick Links to frequently requested information.

The division will continue to share breaking news on disaster, emergency updates and DHSEM activities at www.COEmergency.com and citizen preparedness information at www.READYColorado.com.

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management was formed under House Bill 12-1283 on July 1, 2012. The division is comprised of the Office of Budget and Finance, Office of Emergency Management, Office of Preparedness and the Office Prevention and Security.
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Check the Weather Conditions Before Traveling for the Holidays

State Office of Emergency Management Monitors Holiday Weather

 

Weather Outlook for December 24 - 25

 

Southeast Region:

Winter Weather Advisory from 11 p.m. tonight to 11 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Snow Accumulation: 2-6 inches
Winds:  North wind of 15-25 MPH
Gusts: 30 MPH
Temperatures:  0 to Low 20’s - Wind Chill between 0 to -5
Weather Conditions:  Snow Accumulation will occur starting tonight and into tomorrow mid-morning and ending in the afternoon.  Visibility may drop to less than ½ mile at times with snow and blowing snow through Tuesday morning.

South Region:  

Winter Weather Advisory issued above 6000’ primarily in the Wet Mountains and Custer County.  Also the Upper Huefano River Basin and Western Las Animas County below 7500/ feet to include Trinidad, Walsenburg and the Southern Interstate I-25 Corridor from 8 p.m tonight to 11 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Snow Accumulation:
·        2-4 inches for lower elevations. 
·        Wet Mountain and Custer County 3-6 inches. 
·        Elevations above 9000’ 4-8 inches.
Winds: North winds of 10-20 MPH
Gusts:  25 MPH
Temperatures: Ranges 0 to Low 20’s – Wind Chill between 0 to -10.
Weather Conditions: Snow Accumulation will occur starting tonight and into tomorrow mid-morning and ending in the afternoon.

San Luis Valley Region:  

Winter Weather Advisory issued for elevations above 7500’ from 5 p.m. tonight to 11 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Snow Accumulation: 1-2 inches.
Winds: Southwest winds becoming north northwest after midnight of 10-15 MPH
Gusts: 20 MPH
Temperatures: Low single digits to a high near 21.  Wind Chill between 0 to-20.
Weather Conditions:  Snow Accumulation will occur through tonight and ending by noon tomorrow. 

South Central Region:  

Winter Weather Advisory issued for elevations above 7500’ to include Teller County, Northern El Paso County and higher peaks in Lake County from 5 p.m. tonight to 11 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Snow Accumulation:
·        4-5 inches in low elevations
·        4-8 inches above 9000’
Winds: North to northeast winds of 10-20 MPH
Gusts: 25 MPH
Temperatures: Ranges from 0 to mid-teens.  Wind Chill between 0 to -10.
Weather Conditions:  Snow Accumulation will occur starting tonight and into tomorrow and ending in the afternoon.  Visibilities may drop to less than ½ mile at times under the heavier snow bands through early Tuesday morning particularly across northern El Paso County.

 Northeast Region: 

 No Advisories issued.
Snow Accumulation: 2-4 inches
Winds: Northern winds of 10-15 MPH
Gusts: 20 MPH
Temperatures:  10 to 20 degrees.  Wind Chill between 0 to -5.
Weather Conditions:  Snow accumulation will occur starting tonight and will begin clearing out around noon tomorrow.

North Central Region:  

·        Above 9000’ a Winter Weather Advisory is issued from 2 p.m today until 11 a.m. tomorrow.
·        Between 6000’ to 9000’ a Winter Weather Advisory is issued from 5 p.m. today until 11 a.m. tomorrow.
·        Below 6000’ no advisories issued.
Snow Accumulation:
·        Above 9000’ 5 to 10 inches.
·        6000’ to 9000’ 4 to 8 inches.
·        Below 6000’ 2 to 4 inches.
Winds:
·        Above 9000’ –  Northwest winds of 10-20 MPH
·        6000’ to 9000’ -  Northern winds of 10-20 MPH
·        Below 6000’ - Northern winds of 10-15 MPH
Gusts:
·        Above 9000’ – 20 MPH
·        6000’ to 9000’ -  20 MPH
·        Below 6000’ – 20 MPH
Temperatures:
·        Above 9000’ – 0 to 15 degrees.  Wind Chill between 0 to -15.
·        6000’ to 9000’ -  5 to 15 degrees.  Wind Chill between 0 to -10.
·        Below 6000’ 10 to 20 degrees.  Wind Chill between 0 to -5.
Weather Conditions:  Snow accumulations will occur starting tonight and will begin clearing out around noon tomorrow.

Metro Area & South:   

Winter Weather Advisory issued for Douglas and Elbert County from 5 p.m. today until 11 a.m. tomorrow.  No other advisories issued for this area.
Snow Accumulation:
·        Elbert and Douglas Counties – 2 to 6 inches
·        Metro Area 2 to 4 inches.
Winds:  Northern winds of 10-15 MPH.
Gusts: 20 MPH
Temperatures: 10 to 20 degrees.  Wind Chill between 0 to -5.
Weather Conditions:  Snow accumulation will occur starting tonight and will begin clearing out around noon tomorrow.

Northwest Region:   

Winter Weather Advisory issued from 9 a.m. this morning to 6 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Snow Accumulation:
·        Above 8000’ - 6 to 10 inches.
·        Below 8000’ – 3 to 5 inches
Winds: Southwest to west from 5 to 15 MPH becoming northwest this afternoon.
Gusts: 25 MPH
Temperature: Single digits to Low 20’s.  Wind Chill between 5 to -10.
Weather Conditions: Snow accumulation will occur starting today and will be clearing out around noon tomorrow.  Higher elevations will see colder temperatures than the valley to include wind chill.

West Region:   

Winter Weather Advisory issued from 9 a.m. this morning to 3 a.m. tomorrow morning.  Winter Storm Warning issued for Grand Mesa from 9 a.m. this morning to 3 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Snow Accumulation:
·        Above 8000’ - 6 to 10 inches.
·        Below 8000’ – 3 to 5 inches
·        Grand Mesa – 10 to 18 inches.
Winds: Southwest to west from 5 to 15 MPH becoming northwest this afternoon.
Gusts: 25 MPH
Temperature: 0 to Low 20’s.  Wind Chill between 10 above to -10 below in higher elevations.
Weather Conditions: Snow accumulation will occur starting today and will be clearing out around noon tomorrow.

Southwest Region:   

Winter Weather Advisory issued from 9 a.m. this morning to 3 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Snow Accumulation:
·        Above 8000’ - 6 to 10 inches.
·        Below 8000’ – 2 to 5 inches
Winds: Southwest to west 10-15 MPH becoming northwest by early morning hours tomorrow morning.
Gusts: 20-25 MPH.
Temperature:
·        Above 8000’ – 0 to -5 degrees.  Wind Chill between -10 to -20.
·        Below 8000’ - 0 to 10 degrees.  Wind Chill between 0 to -5
Weather Conditions: Snow accumulation will occur starting today and will be clearing out around noon tomorrow.

Weather and Travel Resources

 

www.cotrip.org
www.weather.gov
www.READYColorado.com
www.COEmergency.com 

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OEM Monitors Weather Warnings and Forecasts: A Look at Predicted Weather

Are You Prepared for the Approaching Weather?

Northeast Plains

Blizzard Warning from 0800-2000 12/19/2012.  We will see winds 25-40 MPH with gust approaching 50 MPH and 1/4 visibility in places.  Total accumulation of 3-6 inches with the heaviest accumulation within the morning hours.  There will be snow and blowing snow into the evening hours within the Northeast Plains.  Interstates I-70 & I-76 going east could see blowing and drifting snow within these corridors.

 Urban Areas  

(North and North East of the Metro Area to include Elbert and Douglas)  Winter Weather Advisory from 0300-1700 12/19/2012.  Winds will be 15-30 MPH with gusts up to 40 MPH which will produce blowing and drifting snow conditions.  Total accumulation of 3-8 inches, with the heaviest snowfall in the morning.  Snow will continue to develop tonight and should end before sunset Wednesday within this area.

Metro Area

Winter Weather Advisory from 0300-1700 12/19/2012.  Winds will be 20-30 MPH with gusts up to 40 MPH> Total accumulation of 3-6 inches.  The snow should end before sunset within this area.  NWS is predicting a heavy RUSH HOUR Traffic with the snow and blowing wind for the commute home.

Foothills

Winter Weather Advisory from 0300-1700 12/19/2012.  We will see high accumulation within the foothills of 4-8 inches.  This area is still same conditions as the metro and urban areas relative to winds and snow ending near sunset.

Mountain Above 9000 Ft.

Hazardous Weather Outlook issued for these areas. Will be consistent with the predictive weather in the Foothills, however we will see higher accumulation of snow approaching 6-14 inches.

 South & Southeast Region

 Blizzard Watch is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.  Winds 35-45 MPH with gusts of 55-65 MPH.  Visibility will be 1/4 in spots of snow and blowing snow.  Snow accumulations of 1-2 inches between Highway 50 and Highway 96

Preparedness Resources 



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Certification Opportunity: Master Exercise Practitioner Program (MEPP)

Mark Your Calendar for this MEPP Certification Opportunity

The MEPP certification program focuses on improving the capabilities of emergency management exercise personnel in exercise program management and in every phase of the overall exercise program through the improvement of knowledge, skills and abilities in quality of exercise conduct at all levels of government.

There are mandatory training requirements for this three-class course.  If you are interested in the MEPP series, please go to http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/emiopt.asp.  The class schedule is:
  • October 21-25, 2013:  L132  Discussion-Based Exercise Design and Evaluation
  • January 27-31, 2014:  L133  Operations Based Exercise Design and Evaluation
  • June 23-27, 2014:  L136  Operations Based Exercise Development

All mandatory requirements, including the compilation and submission of the MEPP Applicant Packet, must be completed no later than June 28, 2013.

MEPP Applicant Packets will be submitted through Robyn Knappe, Colorado State Training Officer. 

For additional information download the MEPP Course Flyer or contact any of the following individuals:
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2013 Colorado Emergency Management Conference Scholarship Application


Colorado Emergency Management Conference Scholarship Application


 Purpose:
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide funding to pay the registration fee ($160.00 in 2013) for an emergency manager, an employee or volunteer working with a voluntary organization involved in emergency response, or a student to attend the Colorado Emergency Management Conference.  This scholarship program is funded by proceeds derived from the silent auction held at the Colorado Emergency Management Conference and/or contributions from the Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA).

Procedure:

To be eligible for this scholarship, an applicant must be:
  1. Working Emergency Manager in Colorado or staff
  2. Working with a voluntary organization – e.g. members of VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters)
  3. Student enrolled in an Emergency Manager or Homeland Security program in Colorado

Applicants must provide all requested information, follow all directions in the application, meet all time lines, and write an original essay.

 Priority for awarding the scholarships will be as listed above with working Emergency Managers receiving highest priority.  The CEMA Board of Directors will determine the number of scholarships that will be available each year.

 If more applications are received than we have funding for, scholarship awards will be based on a random drawing with working Emergency Managers receiving priority.

2013 Colorado Emergency Manager Conference Scholarship Application

Due Dates:


  • Applications sent out no later than: December 6, 2012
  • Submit completed application no later than: January 1, 2013
  • Scholarship recipients notified no later than: February 1, 2013
  • Colorado Emergency Management Conference: February 26-28, 2013

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2013 Colorado Emergency Management Conference: Resilience Through Collaboration

Save the Date for the 2013 Colorado Emergency Management Conference

February 26-28, 2013


Embassy Suites Loveland Hotel & Conference Center
4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland, CO  80538

Hotel reservations can be made by calling 970-593-6200.

Please ask for the Colorado Emergency Management Conference group rate of $84 per night (single occupancy).  Hotel reservations must be made by January 25, 2013.

Featured Conference Sessions Include:


  • Resource Management
  • Recovery & Mitigation
  • Access & Functional Needs
  • Healthcare Coalitions
  • Wildfire Coordination
  • THIRA, Strategic Planning, Community Preparedness
  • Severe Weather & Climate Issues
  • Emergency Management Leadership Challenges
  • Recent Disaster Lessons Learned
  • COVOAD & Legal Issues
  • Public Information Hands On Lab

Conference Cost is $160.

Full event schedule is listed on the Colorado Emergency Management Association website at www.cemacolorado.com.

Registration deadline is February 12, 2013.

For more information and to register visit www.cemacolorado.com.




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BLM Seeks Comments at Mule Creek Public Meeting

BLM seeks comments on proposed timber sale and prescribed fire project


Fire officials with the Bureau of Land Management’s Kremmling Field Office will host a public meeting December 12, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at the Aspen Canyon Ranch to gather comments and provide information on the proposed Mule Creek hazardous fuel reduction project. The proposed project is on BLM land on Grand County Road 3 and 34.

The majority of the project is timber salvage and sales with some prescribed burning and pile burning. The objective of the project is to remove dead lodgepole pine to reduce the chance of large, intense burning wildland fires and provide a safer environment for the public. The project is about 1,500 acres.

An Environmental Assessment is being prepared and comments gathered at this meeting are part of the scoping process. Kevin Thompson, BLM Fire Management Specialist, will collect contact information and comments and answer questions regarding the hazardous fuel reduction project. If you’re unable to attend and would like to comment please contact Kevin at 970-724-3033 or email k45thomp@blm.gov .

Aspen Canyon Ranch is 13 miles south of Parshall at 13206 Grand County Road 3.
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Fern Lake Fire Information Update: #FernLakeFire

Information update provided by Larimer County Sheriff Public Information Officer:

The information function for the Fern Lake Fire and evacuations is being transferred from the Larimer County Sheriff's Office to the Joint Information Center for the fire.

Media should now call (970) 577-3718 for inquiries on the fire and evacuations. Non-fire related inquiries for the Sheriff's Office should still be directed to (970) 980-2501.

Information line for the public is (970) 577-3716.

Updates will be posted to http://inciweb.org/incident/3294/

Information will be posted to Twitter from Inciweb or http://twitter.com/inciweb
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Fern Lake Fire Information

Information on the current status of the Fern Lake Fire can be obtained through:

- www.inciweb.org

- Public information line is (970) 577-3716.

- on Twitter follow : @LarimerSheriff or @RMNPofficial, @inciweb and @COEmergency. If you do not have a Twitter Account the information can be accessed through the web addresses: www.twitter.com/larimersheriff, www.twitter.com/RMNPofficial, www.twitter.com/inciweb or www.twitter.com/COEmergency.

- a media briefing was announced for 5 pm today. Look for coverage from media websites.
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Emergency Management Performance Grant Update

EMPG Update Letter from Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director


This is an update on the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) and other
grant contracts and reimbursements for Fiscal Year (FY) 12. To begin, I apologize for the
time taken to get the contracts finalized and your reimbursements processed. I realize
this caused hardship for many jurisdictions.

With the transition to the Department of Public Safety, all the contracts needed to be
revised to reflect the reorganization and undergo a review and approval process through
the State Controller’s Office. In addition, we were unable to issue the EMPG contracts
until we received the actual FY12 Award from FEMA, which happened in August, during a
disastrous fire season, putting us further behind. The Division is making progress on these
issues and refining our processes to be better able to turn the contracts and
reimbursements around in the much shorter time. I assure you that all reimbursement
requests received by November 30, 2012 that have fully executed contracts in place, will
be processed and payment sent to the local jurisdiction prior to December 31, 2012.

I understand we still have work to do and we will improve and streamline our operations
and administrative processes. I appreciate the work you do in your communities and our
partnership in serving the people of Colorado.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Kevin R. Klein
Director
kevin.klein@state.co.us

View EMPG letter
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OEM Weekly Update ~ November 23

Colorado Office of Emergency Management Weekly Update ~ November 23, 2012


The information included this week includes:
  • Summary of Findings:  Waldo Canyon Fire Forum for People with Disabilities
  • 2013 Colorado Emergency Management Academy
  •  DOLA's New E-Filing Portal Provides Convenience for Local Governments
  • Kudos and Congratulations to OEM's Tony Reidell and San Juan County
  • Open Position Announcements
  • Are Your Preparedness Messages Reaching Your Community Members?
  • Flu Season Safety Messaging from CDC
  • Colorado OEM Social Media Sites
  • READY, SET, GO! Free Webinar on Wildland Fire Best Practices for Delivering Messages
  • Training Information and Updates

If you would like to submit an article for inclusion in next week's update please email Micki Trost at micki.trost@state.co.us.




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Training Information: Updated Administrative Guidelines

Updated and Revised Administrative Guidelines for the NIMS ICS All-Hazards Position Specific Training Program

 The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released the revised guidelines for the NIMS ICS All-Hazards Position Specfic Training Program.  Some of the highlights of the revised guidelines include:
  • Totally rewritten section on scheduling of off-campus Position Specific classes
  • Changes in qualifications for acceptance into train-the-trainer classes including:
    • ICS 400 will be a required class for Command and Control TtT’s effective October 1, 2013
    • Other entrance requirements have been clarified as well
    • The ICS 400 class will continue to be a ‘recommended’ class for Unit Leader TtT classes
    • As of October 1, 2013, all students who wish to sign up for TtT classes will be required to have taken the class before they’re allowed to enroll in a TtT version. Exceptions are allowed for personnel who are qualified in a Command & Control class and wish to sign up for a TtT for a Unit Leader class. Example: an instructor who is qualified to instruct the Operations Section Chief course may sign up for the Division/Group Supervisor TtT and/or the Task Force Strike Team Leader TtT.
  •  A section has been added on the removal of instructors
  •  Appendix material has been added on how to obtain a Student Identification Number (SID) and a Tip Sheet for hosting regional Position Specific class offerings
  •  Clarification on the application policy for offering Communications Unit Leader classes; these classes will now be offered through the states and overseen by the Federal Office of Emergency Communications (OEC), but will still be registered through and credit will be given by EMI.
 
As with other All-Hazards Position Specific course materials and information, these guidelines will be posted on the Position Specific website, replacing the previous version.
 
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Appointments to Homeland Security and All-Hazards Senior Advisory Committe Announced

Colorado Department of Public Safety Announces Appointments to H-SAC Committee


Colorado Department of Public Safety Executive Director James H. Davis has announced the appointments of 21 committee members to the Homeland Security and All-Hazards Senior Advisory Committee (H-SAC).  Executive Director Davis is the H-SAC committee chair and the State Homeland Security Advisor. 

H-SAC Committee Members

Internal Colorado Department of Public Safety Appointments

  • Director Kevin Klein, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (non-voting member)
  • Chief James Wolfinbarger, Colorado State Patrol
  • Director Paul Cooke, Division of Fire Prevention and Control

Colorado State Agency Appointments

  • Director Lyle Moore Jr., MPH, REHS, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
  • Michael Hunt, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
  • Peter Bangas, Public Safety Communications Network Manager
  • Executive Director Reeves Brown, Department of Local Affairs

External Agency Representatives

  • Commissioner Peggy Littleton, Colorado Counties Inc., El Paso
  • Jim Lancy, President, Colorado Emergency Management Association
  • George Heinrichs, President, Intrado Corporation
  • Meghan Storrie, Legislative and Policy Advocate, Colorado Municipal League
  • Scott Field, Director, Office of Emergency Management Homeland Security, City and County of Denver
  • Ann Terry, Executive Director, Special Districts Association
  • Mike Gavin, State All Hazards Advisory Committee
  • Bill Tolbert, Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
  • Scott Kellar, Homeland Security Coordinator, North-Central Region
  • Kathi Gurule, Risk and Emergency Manager, Southern Ute Indian Tribe
  • Sheriff Bruce Hartman, County Sheriffs of Colorado
  • Cheif Randy Lesher, President, Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado
  • Chief Dwight Henniger, Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police
  • Chief Joseph Bruce, Colorado State Fire Chiefs Association
The Homeland Security and All-Hazards Senior Advisory Committee's mission is to assist the state in becoming better able to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond, and recover from those threats and hazards posing greatest risk to Colorado.  Other committee responsibilities include:
  • providing advice and counsel to the the State Homeland Security Advisor;
  • formulating recommendations on the State Homeland Security Strategy;
  • reviewing grant funding applications; and
  • providing policy guidance to the new Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.  
The H-SAC committee was established pursuant to Colorado Revised Statute 24-33.5-1614.
 
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Training Updates Posted

Several course opportunities are now available.  Course flyers and additional information are available on the Training Page:

  • January 19-20, 2013, ICS 300 in Hugo, Colorado
  • January 26-27, 2013, ICS 400 in Hugo, Colorado
  • February 11-12, 2013, ICS 300 in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
  • April 9-10, 2013, AWR136 and MGT 384:  Cyber Security in Centennial, Colorado.
Contact Robyn Knappe at robyn,knappe@state.co.us for questions related to training courses or registration using the COTRAIN site.
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OEM Update: Nov. 9

Colorado Office of Emergency Management Update ~ November 9

Information included in the OEM Update:
  • Qualified Volunteer Organizations
  • Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Kick-Off Meeting
  • Volunteers Needed for Special Exercise Opportunity
  • Director Named for Division of Fire Prevention and Control
  • Kudos
  • Positions Open for Application
  • Educational Resources
  • Training Information
If you would like to contribute information to the next update please email Micki Trost at micki.trost@state.co.us.

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Coal Creek Fire Update: Nov. 9 #CoalCreekFire

Snow and rain that entered the area Friday evening helped dampen the Coal Creek Fire burning northeast of Pagosa Springs.  

As of yesterday evening, the fire had grown minimally and is not likely to grow any further with the moisture received yesterday evening.  Incident Commander Ryan Vincent described the conditions near the fire as “wet and soupy”.  The fire is approximately 127 acres.

Temporary trail closure signs will be removed today and the trail will be opened.  

The Type 3 helicopter was released this morning, and more moisture is predicted through the weekend.  This will be the last and final update, pending no significant changes.  

Any future updates will be posted on the Archuleta County emergency information site www.acemergency.org

Information provided by Brandy Richardson,Public Information Officer
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Denver Water Raising Awareness about Lead Plumbing


Utility providing information to area homes and businesses


Denver Water wants to remind customers that if you live in an older home, you may have lead in your plumbing, which could affect the water coming out of your tap.

Every year, Denver Water collects more than 10,000 water samples, runs more than 50,000 water quality tests throughout its system, and mails a water quality report to customers to describe the overall quality of water from collection and storage to customers’ taps. Lead is not found in Denver’s source water (rivers and reservoirs), treated water or public water system.

In addition to testing throughout its public system, for the past 20 years Denver Water has conducted a testing program inside homes with lead plumbing. In the utility’s most recent testing, water samples from 60 homes were analyzed. Eight of those samples showed lead levels that were higher than the federal standard. All eight homes were built before 1920.

“The health and safety of all our customers is very important to us,” said Tom Roode, director of Operations & Maintenance for Denver Water. “We thoroughly test our water before and after treatment and as it flows through our pipes in the street, so we know lead is not present in the public water system. But, lead was used for years in paint, plumbing and other household products, and still exists in older homes and buildings. In our experience, the structures most likely to have lead plumbing issues were built in the mid-1950s or earlier.”

Customers who are concerned about their home plumbing should consider taking the following steps:
  • Run your water to flush out lead. If it hasn’t been used for several hours, run the cold water tap until the temperature is noticeably colder. This flushes lead-containing water from the pipes.
  • Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula.
  • Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
  • Consider investing in a water filtration system. Filters must meet NSF Standard 53, and they range from pitchers that cost as little as $20 to under-sink systems for $100 or more. More information can be found at www.nsf.org or by calling 1-800-NSF-8010.
  • Have your household water tested by a state-certified laboratory. You can find a list of reputable, certified labs at www.coloradostatelab.us.
  • Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead. Brass faucets, fittings and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free,” may leach lead into drinking water. Use only lead-certified contractors for plumbing work.
  • Have a licensed electrician check your wiring. If grounding wires from your electrical system are attached to your pipes, corrosion may be greater. Check with a licensed electrician or your local electric code to determine if your wiring can be grounded elsewhere.

“Because there were eight homes with elevated levels of lead among our sample group, we are required by Federal regulations to let all customers know about the issue,” said Roode. “In addition to notifications about lead plumbing that we send to customers each year in our water quality report, we want to use this opportunity to raise awareness in the community and provide our customers with information to take appropriate steps.”

Denver Water customers will receive a brochure in the mail, which contains the required notice as well as educational information, by the end of November. The brochure and additional information are available on Denver Water’s website, www.denverwater.org/lead.

Additional information on lead can be found at www.epa.gov/lead, www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead and in the attached fact sheet.


Denver Water proudly serves high-quality water and promotes its efficient use to 1.3 million people in the city of Denver and many surrounding suburbs. Established in 1918, the utility is a public agency funded by water rates, new tap fees and the sale of hydropower, not taxes. It is Colorado's oldest and largest water utility. For more information, visit www.denverwater.org and follow us on Twitter.
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