Aurora, Colorado’s Home for Water Softeners, Water Filters,
& Water Delivery

Yes. Aurora’s drinking water meets federal and state drinking water standards. The city completes required testing for regulated contaminants, and results are reviewed to confirm compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. Aurora Water also conducts more than 85,000 water quality tests each year exceeding regulatory requirements to confirm ongoing compliance.

Yes, the water is considered moderately hard. Average hardness levels are approximately 113 parts per million (ppm) as calcium carbonate, with reported ranges from about 56 to 154 ppm. Hardness in this range can contribute to scale buildup on fixtures, appliances, and plumbing over time.

Recent sampling for Aurora, Colorado drinking water detected the presence of PFAS chemicals. The EPA is in the process of setting new maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), which range from 4 to 10 parts per trillion, equal to 0.00000000004 for PFOA and PFOS individually, and up to 0.0000000001 for PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (GenX chemicals). As you can see in the water quality report, many samples do not meet these standards. Click here to learn more about our whole house PFAS filtration systems.

Yes. Fluoride is present at an average level of approximately 0.72 ppm, which is below the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4.0 ppm. Fluoride in the water comes from natural erosion of mineral deposits and is monitored regularly as part of routine water quality testing.

The region relies heavily on snowmelt-driven water sources supported by a diversified supply system. Water can travel up to 150 miles and is drawn from the Arkansas, Colorado, and South Platte river basins. Supplies are stored in approximately 12 reservoirs and lakes, including Aurora, Homestake, Jefferson, Pueblo, Quincy, Rampart, Spinney Mountain, Strontia Springs, Turquoise, and Twin Lakes. Additional water comes from South Platte River withdrawals and alluvial groundwater wells near Cherry Creek.

Water is treated at three primary facilities using multi-step processes designed to produce safe drinking water. The Griswold and Wemlinger facilities use direct filtration, including coagulation, flocculation, filtration, and disinfection, with each capable of treating up to 80 million gallons per day. The Binney Water Purification Facility operates two treatment trains, one conventional and one advanced, which includes softening, advanced UV oxidation, biological filtration, and granular activated carbon. Treated water is then disinfected before distribution.

While the water meets safety standards, many homeowners choose additional treatment to address moderate hardness, taste concerns, or trace contaminants. A water softener can help reduce scale buildup caused by calcium and magnesium, while filtration systems can further improve drinking water clarity and taste at the tap.

Aurora Water operates a monitoring program that goes beyond required testing standards. Each year, more than 85,000 samples are analyzed to confirm compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Most testing is conducted in a Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment–certified laboratory, with independent laboratories used when needed.

You can access the most recent Aurora’s Tap Water Quality Report here.