When it comes to your tap water, peace of mind is everything. That’s why each year, the Fort Collins-Loveland Water District (FCLWD) publishes a detailed Water Quality Report, a summary of testing results from the prior year that confirms what you expect and deserve: high-quality, safe and compliant drinking water. In our blog post this month, we provide a summary of this year’s Water Quality Report, along with updates on topics that are top of mind for many, including PFAS and fluoride.
TL;DR Summary
- FCLWD’s water met or exceeded all state and federal drinking water standards in 2024. Your water is safe to drink.
- PFAS levels remain non-detectable and fluoride levels remain consistent with state and federal recommendations.
- We test extensively and continuously monitor quality to ensure safe, great-tasting water year-round.
Another Year of Safe, Reliable Drinking Water
The 2025 Water Quality Report, which reflects data from calendar year 2024, again shows no violations and full compliance with all Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. FCLWD customers can trust that their water meets the strict safety requirements established by state and federal health agencies.
“We’re achieving the results set forth by the State,” said Vic Federico, FCLWD’s Water Quality expert. “We do extensive monthly testing of the water, maintain testing sites and review data that the state receives from labs to ensure its accuracy.”
Behind the Report: How We Monitor Water Quality
Delivering high-quality water starts long before it reaches your faucet. FCLWD receives water from the Soldier Canyon Filter Plant, which sources water from the Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir. At the plant, water undergoes a multi-stage treatment process and rigorous testing protocol before distribution.
Extensive water quality testing is completed each month. Water samples are evaluated for more than 90 potential contaminants, including:
- Microbial contaminants (e.g., viruses and bacteria)
- Inorganic compounds (e.g., lead, copper, nitrates)
- Organic chemical contaminants
- Disinfection byproducts
- Radioactive materials (as a result of oil and gas production and mining activities)
If a result ever exceeded legal limits, immediate action would be taken to protect public health, and we’d let you know right away. But again this year, that wasn’t necessary. You can view the full report to review the specific tests and findings.
Addressing What’s on People’s Minds: PFAS & Fluoride
We recognize that some substances, particularly PFAS and fluoride, are gaining increased attention and raising questions among the public. Here’s what you need to know:
PFAS: Still Not a Concern in Our System
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals found in products that resist heat, oil, stains and water. Recent media coverage has linked PFAS to health concerns. Still, at FCLWD, all testing conducted under the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 (UCMR 5) showed non-detectable levels in treated water.
In April 2024, the EPA finalized enforceable limits for six types of PFAS in drinking water. Water providers nationwide have until 2027 to comply with monitoring requirements and initiate mitigation measures if necessary. FCLWD is already compliant. No detectable PFAS levels have been found, and no mitigation is currently required. We continue to stay up-to-date on this matter.
You can read more about PFAS in a recent blog post we shared, which provides more details.
Fluoride: Consistent and Compliant
Fluoride continues to be added to our water at the Soldier Canyon Water Treatment Plant to meet the recommended total concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L), consistent with guidance from the CDPHE and EPA. The naturally occurring fluoride in our source water, about 0.2 mg/L, is not removed, and fluoride levels are consistently monitored and adjusted to remain within safe limits.
The decision to fluoridate beyond the naturally occurring levels is made in coordination with our regional partners, including the City of Fort Collins, the largest utility in our interconnected system. Since several utilities have their water treated by the Soldier Canyon Filter Plant, and many of these utilities are interconnected, we defer to the decisions made by the City of Fort Collins. As of this publication, no changes to the fluoride policy have been announced by the City or state health agencies.
We understand that not everyone agrees on fluoride use. However, our approach remains grounded in science, compliance and transparency. The District continues to monitor regulatory developments and will keep our customers informed of any changes that may occur.
Trust Through Transparency
Water quality isn’t just something we talk about once a year; it’s a constant priority at FCLWD. From maintaining testing sites and validating lab data to repairing infrastructure and investing in future treatment needs, we work daily to protect your water supply.
While news coverage and social media conversations may highlight emerging risks, the data for our District speaks for itself. There are no surprises and no red flags, just the quiet excellence of a utility doing the work, every day, to keep your water safe.
If you have any additional questions about water quality, visit fclwd.com/who-we-are/water-quality/, call (970) 226-3104 or fill out our contact form.
