1. Consider Your Plumbing’s Age and Materials Separately from Source Water
When you notice unusual taste or color in your water at home, remember that such changes can stem not only from the source water but also from the condition or composition of your home's pipes and fixtures. Older plumbing or certain metals can cause discoloration or staining that is unrelated to algal toxins in the water supplied by Cheyenne Board Public Utilities.
2. Review Seasonal and Multi-Year Data on Algal Toxins in Cheyenne’s Water
Federal monitoring from August to November 2018 tested surface water sources serving Cheyenne for microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, and anatoxin-a—all common algal toxins. None of the 16 samples showed measurements above detection thresholds, indicating that during this period, algal toxins were not detected at levels these tests could measure. This suggests no confirmed presence of these toxins in the public water system across those months that year.
3. Record Relevant Observations Before Seeking Water Treatment Advice
Before choosing a water treatment option, keep notes of what you observe at home—taste, odor, staining, and any visible residue—as well as any recent water tests you may have obtained from a certified laboratory that specifically tests for algal toxins in your water. Testing your own household water is the only way to know the exact concentrations of any constituents present where you live.
4. Compare Cheyenne’s Public Water Data to Neighboring Areas with Caution
While Laramie County’s data shows no detectable algal toxins in the tested period, neighboring areas may have different water sources and different monitoring results. However, differences in detection may reflect sampling dates, water source type, or testing methods rather than direct evidence of worse water quality. Use neighboring data only as a general context, not as a direct comparison to your household’s water.
5. Understand the Difference Between Public Water Records and Private Well Testing
Public water system monitoring like that from Cheyenne Board Public Utilities reflects the water quality at the system entry points, not inside individual homes or private wells. Private wells aren’t included in these records, so their water quality must be decided by individual testing. Algal toxin levels in well water can differ significantly from public system results due to well location, depth, and surrounding environmental factors.
6. Identify Which Household Signs May Suggest Algal Toxin Concerns
Algal toxins can sometimes cause taste or odor changes, potentially a slight musty or earthy flavor, but such symptoms are not specific to algal toxins alone. Since Cheyenne’s public water monitoring found no detectable algal toxins during 2018, these symptoms may be due to other factors. Confirming algal toxin presence requires lab testing of your specific water supply.
What Not to Conclude from Area Data: The absence of detected algal toxins in the public water system record for 2018 does not guarantee that your household water is free of these substances. Only a specific water test of your home supply can provide that assurance. Likewise, no detection means there was no measurement above detection limits during testing, not that toxins can never appear.
For households considering treatment for algal toxins based on these local records and their own water tests, the Fleck Algal Toxins (Cyanotoxins) Filter ships ready to configure and uses filtration technology documented to reduce these toxins when present. This direct-purchase option allows you to address any confirmed algal toxin concern efficiently after verifying your water’s condition.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2018-11-30. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR4 monitoring (2018-2020) for Cheyenne Board Public Utilities (WY5600011), WY: 48 results across 3 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level