PFAS in Drinking Water in Colorado
What residents of Colorado need to know about PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water — including contamination sources, which utilities have documented violations, and how to filter PFAS from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, CDC · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is PFAS in drinking water a real concern in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado has multiple military installations with documented PFAS contamination. Peterson Space Force Base (formerly Peterson AFB), Buckley Space Force Base (formerly Buckley AFB), and Schriever Space Force Base east of Colorado Springs have all documented AFFF-related PFAS plumes affecting nearby groundwater and water systems.
Where does PFAS come from in Colorado?
Colorado's PFAS contamination is concentrated on the Front Range around Colorado Springs and Denver's eastern suburbs. AFFF firefighting foam at military installations has contaminated groundwater in El Paso County (Peterson and Schriever) and Arapahoe County (Buckley). Security, CO — a community adjacent to Peterson SFB — had PFAS detected in its water supply at levels requiring action.
What should Colorado residents know?
The Security Water and Sanitation Districts in El Paso County near Peterson SFB have documented PFAS above previous advisory levels, triggering installation of treatment systems. Colorado DPHE has expanded PFAS testing statewide. Front Range residents near military installations should verify their utility's recent PFAS data.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL (PFOA/PFOS) | 4 ppt — effective April 2024 |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary contamination sources | Peterson SFB, Buckley SFB (Aurora), Schriever SFB — all Front Range military installations |
| Highest-profile case | Security-Widefield Water District (El Paso County) — installed GAC treatment for PFAS |
| State regulator | Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) |
| Health effects | Cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disruption, immune suppression, developmental effects |
| Effective treatment | Granular activated carbon (installed at Security water district); RO for residential use |
Why PFAS Matters in Colorado
Colorado has three major Space Force and Air Force installations on the Front Range, all with histories of AFFF use. Security, Colorado — a working-class community of approximately 40,000 people adjacent to Peterson SFB — is one of the most studied civilian PFAS exposure cases in the country. The community's water district installed granular activated carbon treatment after PFAS was detected well above advisory levels. Buckley SFB in Aurora has also generated documented PFAS plumes, and Schriever SFB east of Colorado Springs is another known source. Colorado DPHE has been proactive in requiring monitoring and has worked with the military on remediation.
Historical Context
Security, Colorado became one of the earliest and most visible civilian PFAS contamination stories in the U.S. after its water system detected PFOA and PFOS at levels far exceeding EPA advisories. The case helped drive national awareness of AFFF contamination near military bases and informed the EPA's rulemaking process.
Colorado PFAS Regulation
Colorado CDPHE has coordinated PFAS investigations at Peterson Space Force Base (Colorado Springs), Buckley Space Force Base (Aurora), Schriever SFB, and the former Lowry AFB site. The Colorado Springs and Aurora metro areas have been significantly affected, with multiple utilities implementing treatment to address PFAS from military installations. Colorado follows the federal MCL with no additional state standard.
Largest Colorado Water Utilities
No PFAS violations on record in EPA SDWIS for Colorado utilities in our database. Browse the largest utilities to review their full water quality record.
What Are PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and AFFF firefighting foam. Their carbon-fluorine bonds do not break down in the environment or the body — hence the name “forever chemicals.” AFFF used at military bases is the single largest source of PFAS in U.S. drinking water.
Full PFAS overview — national data, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Residents of Security-Widefield, Fountain, and Stratmoor Hills communities in El Paso County near Peterson SFB, and Aurora communities adjacent to Buckley SFB, face the highest documented risk. Private well owners in these areas should test.
Residents near military bases with AFFF use history
Private well owners near military or industrial sites
Pregnant residents and families with young children
Residents in communities with documented PFAS detections
Anyone who has consumed water above 4 ppt for an extended period
Residents near airports, fire training areas, or industrial manufacturers
How to Check Your Situation in Colorado
- 1
Identify your water utility using the ZIP lookup below or by browsing the Colorado utility directory on this site.
- 2
Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — it must report PFAS monitoring results under UCMR5 and the new MCL.
- 3
Check the EPA's ECHO database for your utility's monitoring history. Look for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and related compound results.
- 4
Contact your utility directly and ask for their most recent PFAS test results and whether they are implementing treatment under the 2024 MCL.
- 5
If you use a private well near a military base, airport, or industrial facility, order a PFAS panel test from a state-certified laboratory. Tests typically cost $150–$400.
- 6
If PFAS is detected above 4 ppt in your source water, install a certified NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis system or an NSF/ANSI 53-certified activated carbon filter rated for PFAS removal.
How to Remove PFAS from Tap Water
Reverse Osmosis (Best)
90–99% removal — NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems only
Certified Activated Carbon
Effective with NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification — verify before buying
Boiling concentrates PFAS. Standard pitcher filters and water softeners do not remove PFAS. Always verify NSF certification before purchasing.
Take Action Now
Look up your Colorado utility's PFAS monitoring history on the PFAS Watchlist below.
If your utility has detected PFAS above 4 ppt, install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at your drinking tap.
Private well owners near military or industrial sites should order a PFAS panel test ($150–$400 at a state-certified lab).
Request your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report — PFAS results must be disclosed under the new 2024 MCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
PFAS — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with PFAS records
Colorado PFAS Watchlist
Live utility PFAS monitoring data
Colorado State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 90–99% of PFAS
Activated Carbon Filter Guide
NSF/ANSI 53/58 certified options for PFAS
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Another priority contaminant
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
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Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ↗