Based on EPA UCMR5 monitoring data, EPA SDWIS federal violations records, and EWG Tap Water Database published findings.
PFAS from local industrial sources. Poudre River generally good quality mountain water.
Water source: Surface water (Poudre River, Horsetooth Reservoir)
Water utility: Fort Collins Utilities
Detected at approximately 2.8 ppt per available EPA data — below the new EPA MCL of 4 ppt but above levels many health researchers consider optimal for lifetime daily consumption. Reverse osmosis filtration is recommended.
The EPA's new maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFAS is 4 ppt, effective 2026. PFAS compounds have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune disruption, and developmental issues at chronic exposure levels per peer-reviewed research.
The following contaminants have been detected or are associated with elevated risk in this water system, per available EPA and EWG published data:
These detections are drawn from EPA SDWIS federal violations database and EWG Tap Water Database records. EWG health guidelines are stricter than EPA legal limits and reflect long-term exposure risk.
No health-based EPA violations recorded in the past 5 years at this utility. Note: EPA violations reflect legal compliance thresholds, which are less protective than the EWG health guidelines used in HAVEN's scoring model.
A certified pitcher filter handles most concerns at this level. For PFAS specifically, upgrade to AquaTru Carafe ($149) or an APEC under-sink RO system ($250) for highest protection.
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