The Straight Dope on Denver's Delicious (or Questionable) Tap Water: To Drink or Not to Drink?
Ah, Denver. Mile High City, craft beer haven, and land of...questionable tap water? Fear not, thirsty adventurer, for we shall delve into the murky depths (or should we say, slightly chlorinated shallows) of Denver's municipal beverage.
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| Can You Drink Denver Tap Water |
It's Technically Safe, But...
Denver Water, the purveyors of this mysterious liquid, assure us it meets all the Environmental Protection Agency's (fancy term for the water police) squeaky-clean standards. They source it straight from the snow-capped Rocky Mountains – practically Evian, right? Well, almost.
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The truth is, Denver's tap water can be a bit of an acquired taste. Some folks swear it has a hint of...well, let's just say it might remind you of your college dorm room after a particularly vigorous game of quarters. This is thanks to the chloramine treatment, which keeps things sanitary but can leave a bit of an aftertaste.
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Fear of Lead? We Got You Covered (Maybe)
There's also the question of lead. If your Denver digs were built before 1951, there's a chance your house has lead pipes. Denver Water is pretty gung-ho about replacing these lead bandits, but it's a slow process. In the meantime, you might want to consider getting your water tested, especially if you have little ones around.
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Pro Tip: Run your tap for a minute or two before filling your glass. This flushes out any lead that might be lingering in the pipes.
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So, Can You Drink It? The Great Denver Water Debate
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Here's a handy dandy breakdown:
- Team "Embrace the Minerals": You're a rugged individualist who enjoys a touch of adventure with every sip. Slap on a bandana and guzzle straight from the tap!
- Team "Filter Power": You like your water smooth and and lead-free. Invest in a good ol' fashioned filter and enjoy a taste bud vacation.
- Team "Bottled Bliss": Who needs the drama? Just grab some plastic and avoid the whole ordeal.
Side Note: Denver has a thriving craft beer scene for a reason. Consider it a backup plan for when the tap water just isn't cooperating.
How To FAQs: Denver Tap Water Edition
- How to Test for Lead? Contact Denver Water or a local plumber for testing options.
- How to Choose a Water Filter? Research different filter types (carbon, reverse osmosis) to find one that suits your needs and budget.
- How to Make Denver Tap Water Tastier? Add a squeeze of lemon or lime, or get fancy with some cucumber slices.
- How to Find Out About Lead Pipe Replacement? Check the Denver Water website or contact them directly.
- How to Survive Without Delicious Craft Beer? We don't recommend it, but if you must, there's always...gasp...wine? (Just kidding, Denver! We love your beer.)
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