Is Loveland, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Yes, Loveland tap water is safe to drink. Hardness is low at 72 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here don't need treatment.
Hardness Scale: Where Loveland Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How Loveland Compares
Loveland's water is 48% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 63% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within Colorado, it ranks #18 of 23 cities (27% below the state average of 99 PPM). Among cities (50k-100k), Loveland ranks #177 of 258 for hardness.
What Loveland's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 72 PPM - Low Concern
Loveland's water is moderately hard at 72 PPM. You'll see some spotting on glassware and a film on shower doors over time, but it's not the kind of hardness that demands a full softener. A salt-free conditioner is worth considering if you have a tankless water heater or high-end fixtures.
Contaminants & Safety
Disinfection byproducts are the notable finding here. Loveland's water has TTHMs at 35.2 ppb and HAA5 at 24.9 ppb — both within legal limits, but the EWG health guidelines are far stricter. These byproducts form when chlorine reacts with organic matter during treatment. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and its byproducts. Want the full picture? Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report.
What's in the Treatment Process
Loveland's surface water supply requires heavy chlorination to stay safe — but that creates a tradeoff. The treatment process generates disinfection byproducts: TTHMs at 35.2 ppb (44% of the legal limit, but 235x the EWG guideline) and HAA5 at 24.9 ppb (42% of the legal limit, but 249x the EWG guideline). These are within legal limits, but the EWG sets much tighter thresholds based on cancer-risk research. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and byproducts. All measurements are within federal legal limits. The EWG guidelines represent a more conservative, health-based standard.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 72 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 109 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 0 ppt | — | No total limit | ✓ ND |
| ↳ PFOA | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| ↳ PFOS | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 3.3 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.3 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 0.367 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Recommendations for Loveland Homes
Quick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1.3 mg/L chlorine, many Loveland residents notice dry skin, brittle hair, and that "pool smell" in the shower. A shower filter installs in 5 minutes, no tools needed.
How to Test Your Water in Loveland
City-wide data is a solid starting point, but your specific tap might differ based on plumbing age, distance from the treatment plant, or seasonal changes.
Free option: Request City of Loveland Water's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
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About Loveland's Water Supply
Water Utility: City of Loveland Water
Water Source: Big Thompson River (Surface Water)
Population Served: 95,471
Hardness: 72 PPM (4.2 grains per gallon)
Loveland's drinking water comes from surface sources — Big Thompson River. Surface water requires more extensive treatment than groundwater, including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. This heavier chlorination is why disinfection byproducts tend to be higher in surface-supplied systems. On the upside, surface sources often deliver softer water than deep aquifers. The system serves 95,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request City of Loveland Water's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or test your own tap.
ZIP Codes Covered by This Report
This water quality data applies to all areas served by City of Loveland Water in Loveland, CO, including ZIP codes:
80513, 80515, 80517, 80532, 80534, 80537, 80538, 80539
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare Loveland to Other Colorado Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Loveland Water
Is Loveland tap water safe to drink?
Where does Loveland's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in Loveland?
What is the hardness of Loveland water in grains per gallon?
What are disinfection byproducts in Loveland's water?
Why does Loveland water taste like chlorine?
Can I drink Loveland tap water straight from the faucet?
What water filter is best for Loveland?
Data sources: Lead and copper data from EPA Safe Drinking Water Act LCR reporting. Contaminant data from utility-reported testing results. PFAS data from EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025). Hardness from USGS and municipal reports. Data reflects system-level testing results and may not match your specific tap due to neighborhood plumbing, season, or recent utility changes. For your utility's latest results, request their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Our methodology. Last updated: 2026-02-24.
What Loveland Homeowners Actually Buy
Common purchases for homes with 72 PPM water.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on Loveland's water data.