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Fort Collins, CO · 303,605 people served · EPA data 2021–2026

Tap water quality in Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins's water systems logged 2 health-based EPA violations in 2021–2026, most recently in 2025 — a modest record, with lead and copper rule revisions the issue found. For context, Colorado's systems average 2.2 health-based violations each.

C+Fair
Fort Collins water grade: C+
Fair — our A–F grade from this city's EPA compliance record, relative to Colorado and the nation. How we grade →
Health-based violations, 2021–20262
Lead And Copper Rule Revisions1
Stage 1 Disinfectants And Disinfection Byproducts Rule1
Ft Collins City Of179,901 served
Ft Collins Loveland Wd63,532 served
East Larimer County Wd27,944 served
Csu Main And West Housing Campus27,375 served
Colorado quality rank#13 / 51 (86.7/100)
Colorado avg hardness185 PPM (very hard)
Want to know what's actually in your Fort Collins water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

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Fort Collins tap water FAQ

Is tap water safe to drink in Fort Collins?

Fort Collins's systems logged 2 health-based violations in 2021–2026, most commonly lead and copper rule revisions. A violation is a red flag for a period of time, not a permanent condition — your utility's current Consumer Confidence Report shows today's status, and a certified home test shows what's at your tap.

Who supplies Fort Collins's water?

Ft Collins City Of (serving about 179,901 people); Ft Collins Loveland Wd (serving about 63,532 people); East Larimer County Wd (serving about 27,944 people); Csu Main And West Housing Campus (serving about 27,375 people). Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System, July 2026.

How hard is the water in Fort Collins?

City-level hardness isn't published in a single federal dataset, but Colorado averages 185 PPM — "very hard" on the USGS scale. Your utility's water quality report lists Fort Collins's exact hardness, or a $10 test strip tells you in a minute. If it comes back over 120 PPM, see our water softener guidance in the purification calculator.

Do I need a water filter in Fort Collins?

With 2 health-based violations on record in 2021–2026, a certified filter is reasonable insurance here: reverse osmosis ($150–$1,300 installed, Angi 2026) covers lead, nitrates and PFAS at the tap. Test first ($50–$200) so you buy for what's actually present.

Want to know what's actually in your Fort Collins water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

Test your water at home

We may earn a commission if you request quotes through this link. It costs you nothing and never affects the data we publish.