Water Quality in Arvada, CO

Arvada's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 81 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Arvada Water · Source: Ralston Reservoir, Clear Creek · Serves 124,402 residents

81
Hardness (PPM)
120
TDS (PPM)
0.9
Chlorine (mg/L)
2
PFAS (ppt)
1
Lead (ppb)
81 PPM 0 400 Moderately Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 81 PPM TDS 120 PPM PFAS 2 ppt Lead 1 ppb Chlorine 0.9 mg/L Nitrate 2 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Arvada Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Generally good quality

Arvada draws from mountain streams on the western edge of metro Denver. Hardness is moderate.

What Arvada's Water Means for Your Home

Arvada's water is moderately hard at 81 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Arvada, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Arvada's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.9 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)81 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids120 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)2 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead1 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine0.9 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate2 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Arvada Homes

🔄 Salt-Free Conditioner (Optional)
At 81 PPM, Arvada's water is moderately hard. Scale buildup is slow but noticeable over years, especially in tankless water heaters. A salt-free conditioner is a low-maintenance option if you want to extend appliance life.
Learn more about this solution →

About Arvada's Water Supply

Water Utility: Arvada Water

Water Source: Ralston Reservoir, Clear Creek

Population Served: 124,402

Hardness: 81 PPM (4.7 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Arvada Water. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Arvada to Other Colorado Cities

Denver

90 PPM · Moderately Hard

Colorado Springs

101 PPM · Moderately Hard

Aurora

73 PPM · Moderately Hard

Lakewood

73 PPM · Moderately Hard

Thornton

78 PPM · Moderately Hard

Westminster

66 PPM · Moderately Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Arvada Water

Is Arvada tap water safe to drink?
Arvada's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Arvada?
At 81 PPM, Arvada's water is moderately hard. Some homeowners at this level do not notice problems, while others see spotting on glassware, film on shower doors, or reduced soap lathering. Homes with tankless water heaters at this hardness level should strongly consider at least a salt-free conditioner, as scale buildup inside the heat exchanger can void the warranty. For other homes, it depends on your sensitivity and fixtures.
What water filter is best for Arvada?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Arvada's water come from?
Arvada's drinking water is sourced from Ralston Reservoir, Clear Creek and treated by Arvada Water. Arvada draws from mountain streams on the western edge of metro Denver. Hardness is moderate.
What is the hardness of Arvada water in grains per gallon?
Arvada's water hardness is 4.7 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 81 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as moderately hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Arvada water damage tankless water heaters?
At 4.7 GPG, Arvada's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Arvada water safe for babies and infants?
Arvada's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Arvada Water Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.