High uranium levels found in under-construction Colorado reservoir

AI-assisted summary

High uranium levels exceeding EPA drinking water standards were found in Chimney Hollow Reservoir water.

Uranium is leaching from granite rock used in dam construction.

Northern Water is working with health and environmental agencies to address the issue before the planned 2027 water release.

High levels of naturally occurring uranium have been detected in water samples at the under-construction Chimney Hollow Reservoir southwest of Loveland, just months before Northern Water planned to start filling the reservoir that will provide water to a dozen cities and water districts.

Water supplier Northern Water plans to flow water into the 90,000-acre-feet reservoir in August, a month later than what was previously reported by the Coloradoan . The water that was tested