May 2-6 is Air Quality Awareness Week. Understanding air quality is important for the health of the community, especially during hot, dry summers when ground level ozone increases and wildfire smoke can contribute to poor air quality. In accordance with the Sustainability Plan, the City of Longmont works to provide information and education, and to monitor air quality. Here are some helpful resources for staying healthy and improving air quality:

Stay Informed

• Sign up to receive air quality e-notifications from the City. The City will only notify you if there is significant news related to air quality
• Get alerts for poor air quality days with the Regional Air Quality Council, text “BETTERAIRCO” to 21000 or sign up for e-mail alerts at simplestepsbetterair.org
• Visit AirNow.gov to check daily air quality for Longmont

Act Every Day

• Need to use your car? Plan ahead and combine all errands into one trip
• Reduce ozone by not idling your car
• Refuel your car in the evening or early morning
• Walk, roll, or ride the bus or a bike
• Switch to electric lawn equipment and mow in the evening. Learn about discounts from the Regional Air Quality Council at https://www.mowdownpollution.org/residential-2022/

Act on High Wildfire Smoke Days

• Stay indoors and shut windows, if possible
• Use the Recirculate Air button in your car
• Use a portable home air cleaner
• Limit intense outdoor activities for you, your family and your pets

Learn More About Air Quality in Longmont

Air monitoring instruments are located at Union Reservoir and on the west side of town. Air monitors track the presence of compounds such as carbon dioxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, methane, benzene and particulate matter.  Data is publicly available and is shared with regulators and researchers. Visit bit.ly/air-quality-longmont for more information.