Colorado Springs Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Colorado Springs tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. With 167 ppm hardness (9.8 gpg), expect some mineral deposits over time. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 6 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
9.8 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Colorado Springs Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Colorado Springs tap water meets EPA health standards, with some contaminants worth monitoring.
9 contaminants were tested in Colorado Springs's water. 7 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfection Byproducts — Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) is at 48 ppb — 80% of the EPA limit (60 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of five chemicals that form as byproducts when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic matter in water. According to the EPA, long-term exposure may increase the risk of cancer. Some studies have linked them to reproductive and developmental effects.
→ An activated carbon filter can reduce haloacetic acids in your drinking water.
Radioactive Contaminants — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Uranium at 0.7 ppb (2% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.45 ppm (11% of EPA limit).
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — No PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in available test data.
Lead — Lead (5.64 ppb) is at 38% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 8 water utilities serving 469K people in the Colorado Springs area.
Based on publicly available data from Colorado Springs Utilities zip code hardness data (all CS zip codes: 80902–80951) (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Disinfection byproducts are elevated (above 75% of EPA limits). A carbon filter can help reduce these. With hard water (167 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Colorado Springs Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
5.7 ppb
100% above average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
34 ppm
73% softer than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Not Detected
67% of cities are PFAS-free
How Hard is Colorado Springs Water?
167 ppm
9.8 grains per gallon
Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
May dry out skin & hair
Kitchen
Spots on dishes
Laundry
Clothes may feel stiff
Appliances
Scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 167 ppm, Colorado Springs has hard water. You may notice white spots on dishes, dry skin after showering, and mineral buildup on fixtures. A water softener can help reduce these effects. Hard water is generally not a health concern according to the WHO.
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 34–34 ppm
Based on 1018 samples from Colorado Springs Utilities zip code hardness data (all CS zip codes: 80902–80951) (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Colorado Springs tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Colorado Springs
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
5.64 ppb
Colorado Springs lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
No PFAS detected in available test data
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. No PFAS were detected in available test data.
Gross Alpha
3% of EPA limit
Range: 0–1.02 pCi/L
Other Detected Contaminants
9 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
48 ppb Range: 18.4-77.8 Highest LRAA (compliance value) 48 ppb. System average of individual sites 34.51 ppb. Range across all sites/quarters 18.4–77.8 ppb. Disinfectant: chlorine. MCL 80 ppb. | 80 ppb | Caution 60% of limit | |
48 ppb Range: 8.4-47.5 Highest LRAA (compliance value) 48 ppb. System average 21.18 ppb. Range 8.4–47.5 ppb. MCL 60 ppb. | 60 ppb | Caution 80% of limit | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND – UCMR5 (29 PFAS compounds tested in late 2024/early 2025, none detected above reporting limits). | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND – UCMR5. See PFOA note. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
Lithium | 6.12 ppb Range: 0-14.8 UCMR avg 6.12 ppb, range 0–14.8 ppb. 12 samples, Oct. 2024 and Jan. 2025. No federal MCL established. | N/A | Safe |
0.45 ppm Range: 0.15-1.08 Avg 0.45 ppm, range 0.15–1.08 ppm. Naturally occurring only – neither CSU nor Fountain Valley Authority adds fluoride. MCL 4.0 ppm. | 4 ppm | Safe 11% of limit | |
0.14 ppm Range: 0-0.3 Avg 0.14 ppm, max 0.3 ppm. Very low – mountain snowmelt source. MCL 10 ppm. | 10 ppm | Safe 1% of limit | |
Gross Alpha | 0.49 pCi/L Range: 0-1.02 Avg 0.49 pCi/L, max 1.02 pCi/L (7% of MCL 15). Sampled June 2020. | 15 pCi/L | Safe 3% of limit |
0.7 ppb Range: 0-4 Avg 0.7 ppb, max 4.0 ppb (13% of MCL 30). Sampled June 2020. | 30 ppb | Safe 2% of limit |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
6
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
6
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Colorado Springs's Water?
Utility Name
COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES
EPA System ID (PWSID)
CO0121150
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
469K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Colorado Springs tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Colorado
Denver
Very Hard water
Aurora City of
Very Hard water
Thornton City of
Very Hard water
Westminster City of
Very Hard water
Ft Collins City of
Soft water
Boulder City of
Soft water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: Colorado Springs Utilities zip code hardness data (all CS zip codes: 80902–80951) (2024)