Water Quality in Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs's water has 5 contaminants above health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter.
Utility
COLORADO SPRINGS WATER
People Served
464,111
MCL Violations
0
Last Updated
Aug 20, 2025
Quick Summary
Contaminants Detected
⚠️ Contaminants Above Health Guidelines (5)
Chlorine (Total)
What is Chlorine (Total)?
Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is a strong oxidizing agent. Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment to kill bacteria and other pathogens, making water safe for drinking.
Health Effects
Exposure to chlorine can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Ingesting high levels of chlorine can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other serious health problems.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)
What is Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)?
Member of haloacetic acids (HAAs) that form as byproducts when chlorine reacts with organic matter
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for TCA in drinking water have been developed based on liver toxicity and carcinogenicity observed in animal studies. EPA has classified TCA as a possible human carcinogen. Developmental toxicity has also been associated with exposure to TCA based on evidence from animal studies.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Chloroform
What is Chloroform?
Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine and is generally the most abundant THM formed in drinking water
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for chloroform have been developed based on kidney and liver carcinogenicity observed in animal studies, and liver toxicity observed in occupational studies. The EPA classifies chloroform as a probable human carcinogen based on animal evidence, and there is additional epidemiological evidence that may increase the risk of colon and bladder cancer in humans. Results from animal studies also suggest that exposure to chloroform can cause liver, developmental and immune toxicity. Acute exposure to low levels of chloroform will cause nervous system toxicity.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Total THMs
What is Total THMs?
Group of contaminants that form in drinking water systems when a disinfectant, typically chlorine, reacts with organic matter
Health Effects
Drinking water standards for total THMs are based on evidence of carcinogenicity in human and animal studies, as well as liver and kidney toxicity observed in animal studies. Individual THMs have been further associated with developmental, immune, spleen, and genotoxicity.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Radium 228
What is Radium 228?
Radium-228 is a radioactive isotope of radium that occurs naturally in uranium and thorium ores. It is part of the decay chain of uranium-232 and has a half-life of 5.75 years. Radium-228 can be found in groundwater and can contaminate drinking water supplies.
Health Effects
Exposure to radium-228 can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly bone cancer, due to its radioactive properties. Long-term exposure can also affect the kidneys and other organs.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Understanding the Data
This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against health guidelines (HGL). Contaminants above the health guideline are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.
Recommended Water Filters for Colorado Springs
Based on Colorado Springs's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above health guidelines.
![GNRQ18NBN[1] GNRQ18NBN[1]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F61FxdBVXqoL._AC_SY606_.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
GE Appliances, a Haier Company
GNRQ18NBN[1] GNRQ18NBN[1]
NSF Certified:
Capacity
260 gal
Filter Life
1 mo
Flow Rate
0.5 gpm
Removes 23 contaminants:
Arsenic, Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chlorine (Free) +18 more
GE Appliances, a Haier Company
GXRQ18NBN[1] GXRQ18NBN[1]
NSF Certified:
Capacity
260 gal
Filter Life
1 mo
Flow Rate
0.5 gpm
Removes 23 contaminants:
Arsenic, Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chlorine (Free) +18 more
Aquion, Inc.
Rainsoft Rainsoft Ultrefiner Elite
NSF Certified:
Capacity
2251 gal
Filter Life
8 mo
Flow Rate
1 gpm
Removes 20 contaminants:
Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chloramine, Chlorine (Free) +15 more
Solventum Purification Inc.
3MRO501[G] 3MRO501[G]
NSF Certified:
Capacity
15001 gal
Filter Life
50 mo
Flow Rate
0.5 gpm
Removes 22 contaminants:
Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chlorine (Free), Chlorine (Total) +17 more
Frequently Asked Questions
Colorado Springs's water has 5 contaminants above health guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Colorado Springs's water.