Water Filtration for Colorado Homes
While a water softener handles hardness (calcium and magnesium), a filtration system addresses everything else: chlorine taste and odor, PFAS contamination, heavy metals, sediment, and other contaminants that affect your water quality and health.
What's in Colorado Springs Water?
Colorado Springs Utilities treats municipal water to federal standards, but that doesn't mean it's free of concerning compounds. Disinfection byproducts (TTHMs) have been recorded as high as 77.8 ppb, close to the 80 ppb federal limit. Chromium-6 has been detected above recommended health guidelines. Lead, while below the federal action level, has no safe level, especially for children. A home filtration system adds a final layer of protection between the treatment plant and your glass.
Water Softener vs. Water Filter: Which Do You Need?
Short answer: it depends on your water. A water softener removes minerals that cause scale buildup. A water filter removes chemicals and contaminants. Many Colorado homes benefit from both. Here's a quick guide:
- Hard water only (scale, dry skin, spots): Water softener
- Taste/smell issues (chlorine, sulfur): Carbon filter or RO
- Health concerns (PFAS, lead, chromium-6): RO system
- Well water with multiple issues: Often a combination of softener + filter
- Want the best overall water quality: Whole house filter + softener + RO for drinking
PFAS Filtration for Fountain & Security
PFAS contamination from Peterson Space Force Base firefighting foam has severely affected wells in the Fountain, Security, and Widefield areas. Some wells have tested at over 1,370 parts per trillion, more than 20 times the EPA health advisory level. If you're in these areas, especially on a private well, an NSF-certified reverse osmosis system or granular activated carbon filter designed for PFAS removal is strongly recommended. We can test your water and install the appropriate system.