Water Quality in Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 101 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Colorado Springs Utilities · Source: Mountain watersheds, groundwater · Serves 478,961 residents

101
Hardness (PPM)
133
TDS (PPM)
0.7
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
1
Lead (ppb)
101 PPM 0 400 Moderately Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 101 PPM TDS 133 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 1 ppb Chlorine 0.7 mg/L Nitrate 2 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Colorado Springs Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
PFAS from Peterson SFBModerately hard

Clean mountain water with PFAS from Peterson Space Force Base.

What Colorado Springs's Water Means for Your Home

Colorado Springs's water is moderately hard at 101 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 Colorado Springs, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Colorado Springs's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.7 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)101 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids133 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead1 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine0.7 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate2 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Colorado Springs Homes

🔄 Salt-Free Conditioner (Optional)
At 101 PPM, Colorado Springs'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 Colorado Springs's Water Supply

Water Utility: Colorado Springs Utilities

Water Source: Mountain watersheds, groundwater

Population Served: 478,961

Hardness: 101 PPM (5.9 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Colorado Springs Utilities. 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 Colorado Springs to Other Colorado Cities

Denver

90 PPM · Moderately Hard

Aurora

73 PPM · Moderately Hard

Lakewood

73 PPM · Moderately Hard

Thornton

78 PPM · Moderately Hard

Arvada

81 PPM · Moderately Hard

Westminster

66 PPM · Moderately Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Springs Water

Is Colorado Springs tap water safe to drink?
Colorado Springs'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 Colorado Springs?
At 101 PPM, Colorado Springs'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 Colorado Springs?
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 Colorado Springs's water come from?
Colorado Springs's drinking water is sourced from Mountain watersheds, groundwater and treated by Colorado Springs Utilities. Clean mountain water with PFAS from Peterson Space Force Base..
What is the hardness of Colorado Springs water in grains per gallon?
Colorado Springs's water hardness is 5.9 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 101 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as moderately hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Colorado Springs water damage tankless water heaters?
At 5.9 GPG, Colorado Springs'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 Colorado Springs water safe for babies and infants?
Colorado Springs'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 Colorado Springs Utilities Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.