Water Quality: Fort Collins, CO
10 water systems • 303,541 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Fort Collins is served by 10 public water systems with a combined service population of 303,541 people, and has 137 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 5 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Fort Collins's violation count is roughly in line with the national average for Colorado. Contaminants associated with violations include Chlorine, Disinfection Byproducts, E. coli, Stage 2 DBP.
Contaminants Found
Eye and nose irritation at high levels; long-term exposure above the MCL may cause liver and kidney damage.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant added to kill harmful microorganisms
EPA limit: 4.0 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level)
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids that increase cancer risk and may cause adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Chlorine disinfection reacting with natural organic matter in source water
EPA limit: TTHM: 0.080 mg/L; HAA5: 0.060 mg/L
Water Systems Serving Fort Collins
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FT COLLINS CITY OF | CO0135291 | Surface Water | 179,901 | 22 |
| FT COLLINS LOVELAND WD | CO0135292 | Surface Water | 63,532 | 0 |
| EAST LARIMER COUNTY WD | CO0135233 | Surface Water | 27,944 | 27 |
| CSU MAIN AND WEST HOUSING CAMPUS | CO0235184 | Surface Water | 27,375 | 19 |
| SPRING CANYON WSD | CO0135721 | Surface Water | 2,320 | 46 |
| TIMBER RIDGE MHP | CO0135742 | Surface Water | 1,736 | 1 |
| SKYLINE | CO0135676 | Surface Water | 402 | 0 |
| NUEVA VIDA MOBILE HOME PARK | CO0135600 | Surface Water | 266 | 16 |
| PINEWOOD MOBILE HOME PARK | CO0135611 | Surface Water | 65 | 3 |
| SOLDIER CANYON FILTER PLANT | CO0135718 | Surface Water | 0 | 3 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Colorado
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.