Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado municipal water systems are required to meet EPA standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Most cities along the Front Range -- including Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins -- consistently meet or exceed federal standards at the treatment plant. However, water quality at your specific tap can differ from the treatment plant due to factors like the age and material of your home's plumbing, the length of the service line connecting your home to the main, and how long water sits in your pipes between uses. City water reports reflect system-wide averages, not individual household conditions. If you want to know what is specifically in your water, a home-level evaluation is the most direct way to find out.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in manufacturing since the 1940s. They are found in non-stick coatings, food packaging, firefighting foam, and many industrial applications. PFAS are sometimes referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment. In Colorado, PFAS contamination has been detected near military installations and industrial sites, particularly around the Peterson and Buckley Space Force Bases and the former Lowry Landfill. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) monitors PFAS levels and has set advisory limits. While municipal treatment plants are increasingly testing for PFAS, not all systems have the infrastructure to remove them. If your water source is near a known contamination site, testing your home water can help you understand your specific exposure level.

There are several options for testing your home water. You can contact your local water utility and request a copy of their most recent Consumer Confidence Report, which provides system-wide data. For home-specific results, you can purchase a certified testing kit from a lab, hire a certified water testing professional, or request a free water analysis through The Water Awareness Foundation. Our complimentary analysis evaluates key indicators including hardness, chlorine, iron, TDS, pH, and sediment -- giving you a clear picture of what is in your water at the point of use.

Our free water analysis evaluates several important water quality indicators: hardness (calcium and magnesium content, which affects scale buildup), iron (which causes staining and taste issues), chlorine (the disinfectant residual present in your water), total dissolved solids or TDS (a broad measurement of dissolved minerals and salts), pH level (whether your water is acidic, neutral, or alkaline), and visible sediment or particulate matter. These measurements together provide a comprehensive snapshot of your household water quality and help identify any areas that may warrant further attention.

Whether you need a water filter depends entirely on your specific water quality and your household's priorities. Some families filter their water for taste preferences -- for example, to reduce chlorine flavor. Others may want to address specific concerns like elevated hardness or trace contaminants. The Water Awareness Foundation does not sell filters or recommend specific brands. What we do recommend is testing your water first so you know what, if anything, you are trying to address. A filter that is not matched to your actual water profile may be unnecessary, ineffective, or both. Start with data, then make a decision that fits your situation.

Hard water is water with a high concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium. It is very common in Colorado due to the mineral-rich geology of the Rocky Mountain region. Signs of hard water include: white, chalky deposits (scale) on faucets, showerheads, and inside kettles or coffee makers; soap that does not lather easily, leaving a film on skin or hair; spots or streaks on dishes and glassware after washing; stiff or dingy laundry despite using adequate detergent; and reduced efficiency or shortened lifespan of water heaters and other appliances. Hard water is not a health hazard, but it can cause significant wear on your plumbing and appliances over time. A water analysis can measure your exact hardness level so you can decide if treatment makes sense for your home.

Lead can be present in older plumbing systems. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in copper pipe joints, and some older service lines connecting homes to water mains were made of lead. In 1986, Congress banned the use of lead solder and lead pipes in public water systems, but existing infrastructure was not required to be replaced. Colorado municipalities are required to meet EPA lead action levels, but testing occurs at the system level. The only way to know whether lead is present in your specific home plumbing is to test your water at the tap. This is especially important for homes built before 1986, homes with known lead service lines, and households with young children, who are more vulnerable to lead exposure.

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, which is a measurement of all the inorganic salts, organic matter, and minerals dissolved in your water. Common contributors to TDS include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates. TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm). The EPA recommends a secondary (non-enforceable) limit of 500 ppm. Water with TDS below 300 ppm is generally considered good quality, while water above 500 ppm may have a noticeable mineral taste. TDS by itself does not indicate whether water is safe or unsafe -- it is a general indicator of mineral content. However, unusually high or rapidly changing TDS levels can suggest changes in your water source or plumbing that may warrant further investigation.

No. The Water Awareness Foundation is a fully independent educational organization. We are not affiliated with any municipal water authority, state agency, federal agency, or government body. We are not funded by water utilities and we do not receive compensation from any government entity. Our independence is fundamental to our mission -- it allows us to present information without bias, political influence, or regulatory constraints. We respect the work that municipal water systems do, and we encourage residents to review their city's Consumer Confidence Reports. Our role is to supplement that information with home-specific education and analysis.

No. The Water Awareness Foundation does not sell water filters, treatment systems, testing products, or any other products. We are an educational organization, not a retailer. We do not receive commissions, referral fees, or affiliate income from any product manufacturer or distributor. If our free water analysis or educational content leads you to decide that a filter or treatment system is right for your home, that decision is entirely yours. We will never recommend a specific product or brand. Our role ends at education and clarity -- what you do with that information is always your choice.