Louviers Water District Ends 6-Year Radium Violation

The Louviers Water & Sanitation District resolved a drinking water violation after the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment confirmed radium levels now meet state and federal standards.

CDPHE issued a violation order in February 2020 when testing found radium above safe limits. The district achieved compliance after four consecutive quarters of testing showed the contamination had been eliminated.

The district spent $1.5 million on upgrades to serve 113 taps. Douglas County provided the largest share through American Rescue Plan Act funds, while CDPHE's small communities water program and the EPA's Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation program contributed grants.

The district installed ion-exchange tanks with radium filtration technology. The system began operating in late 2025.

District President Matt Collitt said the board will now pursue two priorities: replacing aging water lines and establishing an emergency connection with neighboring utilities. That project requires $6.5 million.