Problems We Found In Colorado Springs Drinking Water

**Updated April 27, 2021 to include information from the most recent Colorado Springs Consumer Confidence Report

Analies Dyjak, M.A. | Hydroviv Research Analyst

Our Water Nerds have updated our assessment of Colorado Springs drinking water to include the most recent available data. We aggregated data from the Colorado Springs Utilities, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. Our team of Water Nerds then cross-references these data with toxicity studies in scientific literature. The water filters that we sell in Colorado Springs are optimized with this data in mind.

Source Of Colorado Springs Drinking Water

Colorado Springs imports mountain stream-water from Aspen, Leadville, and Breckenridge. Almost 75% of Colorado Springs' water originates from mountain streams. Water from these streams is collected and stored in the Homestake, Fryingpan-Arkansas, Twin Lakes, and Blue River systems. Supplementary surface and groundwater are diverted to Colorado Spring Utility for treatment.

Per and Polyfluoralkyl Substances (PFAS) In Colorado Springs Drinking Water

PFAS are a class of chemicals found various non-stick, stain resistant products, as well as fire fighting foam. PFAS are considered to be "emerging contaminants" because they are not currently regulated by EPA, but are known to be toxic and persistent in the environment. In some wells around Colorado Springs, PFAS levels are more than 20x higher than advisory levels. Hydroviv undersink filters remove PFAS. It's important to note that not all water filters are designed to remove PFAS from drinking water. If you'd like find water filters that remove PFAS from tap water, check out this Duke/NC State PFAS study. 

Lead In Colorado Springs Drinking Water

Lead enters Colorado Springs consumer's tap water through old lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures fail (such as what happened in Flint, Michigan), lead leaches into the drinking water and can reach toxic levels. According to data from two sampling periods, the 90th percentile for lead in Colorado Springs was 5 parts per billion. While Colorado Springs is within the 15 part per billion Action Level, EPA, CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics all recognize that there is no such thing as a safe level of lead for children. In addition, Colorado Springs only sampled just over 100 individual taps to obtain these data. Hydroviv Undersink filters are NSF/ANSI 53 certified to remove lead from drinking water.

High Levels of Chromium 6 Levels In Colorado Springs Drinking Water

What is Chromium 6? Chromium 6 (also known as the Erin Brockavich chemical is a highly toxic metal that, while monitored, is not regulated by the EPA. In recent year, Colorado Springs has had very high concentrations of chromium 6 in drinking water. Public heath officials agree that chromium 6 levels above 20 parts per trillion, may have a negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Colorado Springs Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not well regulated, the EPA has concluded that they are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. 

Still Have Questions About Colorado Spring’s Tap Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each city’s water. The chemicals that we list above are what we consider to be “points of emphasis” so we can build the best water filter for Colorado Springs tap water, but all of our home water filtration systems provide broad protection against other contaminants commonly found in drinking water.

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