PFAS Water Contamination in Denver

PFAS have become one of the most talked-about water quality topics nationwide, and Colorado is no exception. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment tracks PFAS in the state’s water and works with drinking water providers on testing and treatment.

If you live in the Denver metro area, your water provider’s annual Consumer Confidence Report shows whether PFAS have been detected in your supply. Here’s what PFAS are, how they get into water, and what your options are at home.

The problem with PFAS and similar contaminants is that, until recently, few people knew or understood what they are. Compounding this issue, PFAS have become nearly ubiquitous in our environment.

It started in the early 1940s, when water and heat-resistant chemicals containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances were engineered to help create non-stick products (Teflon), fire retardants, and other common consumer goods. What wasn’t understood at the time was that many PFAS break down very slowly in the environment and in the human body.

Some PFAS can build up in the body over time, which is why they’re often called ‘forever chemicals.’ Several of the most studied PFAS have been phased out of use in the U.S., but they remain in the environment, and that can include water supplies.

Certain areas have a higher propensity for PFAS-contaminated water. For example if you live near an airport or a firefighter training facility where many of these chemicals have historically been used, there’s a good chance they’re still found in relatively high concentrations. Areas around manufacturing centers also commonly have elevated levels of PFAS, since they were used in the production of carpet, food packaging and production, and many other consumer goods.

PFAS have also been found in areas far from this kind of activity because they persist in the environment. According to the CDC’s ATSDR, PFAS are found in people and animals around the world.

Start with your water provider’s annual report. If you’re on a private well or want to know what’s at your own tap, PFAS require a certified lab test. Our free in-home water test covers hardness, chlorine and other everyday issues, and your local Culligan expert can help you arrange lab testing for PFAS.

The good news is that the right filtration can reduce PFAS in your water. The EPA identifies activated carbon, ion exchange and reverse osmosis as effective treatment methods. For home systems, look for certification to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for PFOA and PFOS reduction, and check the performance data sheet.

Once again, your local Culligan can help you understand whether you have PFAS in your water, and if they’re at a level that you should consider treating them with a drinking water system or a whole-house filtration system. Contact us today to schedule your free home water test.

As far as water contaminants in the Greater Denver area go, PFOA in water is a relatively newer concept than other issues, but is something to watch moving forward. PFOA, the most notable substance of the family, was found to be a part of the manufacturing process of Teflon. The EPA sued DuPont in 2005 for failing to report a health risk to both humans and the environment. The company paid a $10.25 million settlement.

PFOA is also called “C8.” 3M, a major manufacturer of PFOA and PFOS, phased out production in the early 2000s, and blood levels of these compounds in the U.S. population have declined since.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. Until 2002, PFOA and PFOS were integral in producing goods which qualities repel dirt, grease, water and stains. These contaminants can be found in the manufacturing process of a variety of products, including non-stick cookware, carpet-care liquids, treated apparel, upholstery or textiles, sealants, dental floss, floor wax and non-woven medical garments. Though PFTE non-stick cookware was proven to have PFOA levels, a recent study found levels that ranged from undetectable to 4.3 parts per billion, and it is not currently considered a major pathway for PFOA.

In 2019, PFOA was listed for global elimination under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Even so, it can persist for a long time once it reaches the water supply.

The two biggest issues with these substances is that they don’t break down in the environment, and are fairly ubiquitous, known to be located in food, drinking water, outdoor and indoor air, dust and food packaging. Because of their strong molecular structure, PFOAs are more difficult to break down than organic chemicals.

According to a study from 2002-2005, “people who lived in the PFOA-contaminated area around DuPont’s Washington Works facility were found to have higher levels of PFOA in their blood from drinking water. People that drank more tap water, ate locally grown fruits and vegetables, or ate local meat, were all associated with having higher PFOA levels. Residents who used carbon filter systems had lower PFOA levels.”

In 2024, the EPA set the first enforceable national drinking water limits for PFAS, including 4.0 parts per trillion each for PFOA and PFOS. Water systems have several years to comply. See the EPA’s PFAS drinking water rule page for the current status and deadlines.

According to the EPA, studies have linked exposure to certain PFAS to reproductive and developmental effects, an increased risk of some cancers, reduced immune response, interference with the body’s hormones and increased cholesterol levels. If you have health questions, talk to your doctor.

Call your Culligan Denver today to get a FREE water test and talk with us about testing for PFAS.

We offer two testing options at Culligan. Our basic water testing is free. When the testing is complete and the results have been determined, we will contact you with our customized recommendations for treating any issues found in your home’s water.

Immediately test the water in your home if you experience any of the following: