• 2013: We tested our finished drinking water for six per-fluorinated compounds as part of the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) program. None of the compounds were detected.
  
  
• 2016: We developed a Source Water Protection Plan, designed to identify, and mitigate threats to the Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir. As part of this plan, Utilities conducted a review of potential sources of PFAS in our drinking water supplies. There were no identified industrial sources of PFAS within the watersheds and no past or existing storage facilities were identified through a State records review. It is possible that sources of treated municipal wastewater that are upstream of Horsetooth Reservoir may contribute PFAS from household and commercial sources.
  
  
• 2020: Fort Collins Utilities participated in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) PFAS voluntary sampling program. This program was designed to help water providers across Colorado and the communities they serve to determine if PFAS are present in their drinking water. As part of this program, one finished water sample was collected at the point of entry to the Fort Collins Utilities’ water distribution system. Total PFAS were detected in the sample at 0.56 parts per trillion (ppt) were detected in the sample, which was below the EPA Health Advisory level of 70 ppt at that time. This result was qualified, indicating that it was below the lab's ability to accurately quantify the result. The detection of PFAS in 2020 could have been due to improvements in detection technologies since the analysis in 2013, rather than the occurrence of a new PFAS source in our watersheds. It might also be due to sample contamination because of the ubiquity of the substances in the environment and the difficulty of sampling these compounds without contaminating the samples. It is common to collect a field blank sample to monitor contamination from the sampling process, but none are associated with this sampling event. PFAS analytical results for this program can be found on the CDPHE webpage.
  
  
• 2022: Following the release of the Health Advisory levels, Fort Collins Utilities sampled its two raw water supplies and finished drinking water. No PFAS were detected in these samples. 
  
• 2023: Fort Collins Utilities re-sampled its two raw water supplies and no PFAS were detected in these samples.

Studies have found exposure to PFAS may:

• Impact the immune system
• Impact the cardiovascular system
• Lead to decreased birth weight
• Lead to cancer

More information on the health effects of PFAS can be found with the CDC/ATSDR. 

While this is a concern, it is not a crisis. The lower your exposure, the lower your risk. You do not need to stop drinking tap water.

Fort Collins Utilities strives to provide clean, safe, good-tasting drinking water to its customers. We proactively test the drinking water and monitor our watersheds for sources of PFAS, including the Cache la Poudre River and the Colorado-Big Thompson (CBT) project (Horsetooth Reservoir).

PFAS have not been identified in either of Utilities' source waters; however, it is known that wastewater discharges can be a source of PFAS that passes through a treatment plant to be returned to the local waterways for downstream users.

• Boiling, freezing, or letting water stand does not reduce PFAS levels. 
• Even though no detection has been shown in our drinking water, if concerned, reduce exposure by using water treated by an in-home water treatment filter certified to lower PFAS levels.
• Neither the EPA nor the CDPHE recommend bottled water unless it has been treated with reverse osmosis. Bottled water is as likely to contain PFAS as tap water.
• Choosing PFAS-free consumer products 
• If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.

Chemical compounds, like PFAS, are often manufactured to make life easier, better or safer. But over time, studies may reveal unintended consequences. 

Research and information on PFAS is continually evolving and there is still a lot not known, including:

• Affordable methods for managing and disposing of PFAS
• How harmful PFAS are to people and the environment 
• The extent of human exposure to PFAS 
• How to accurately and precisely detect and measure very low levels of PFAS.

• 2000-2002 - PFOS was voluntarily phased out of production in the U.S. by its primary manufacturer.
• 2006-2015 - Eight major companies phased out their production and use of PFOA, and the chemicals that degrade to PFOA.
• 2012 - EPA included PFOA and PFOS on the list of contaminants that water systems were required to monitor under the Third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. 
• 2021 - EPA committed to establishing national primary drinking water regulations for PFOA and PFOS.  
• In 2022, Colorado passed a ban on “intentionally added” PFAS in consumer products, which will be phased in from 2024 to 2030.
• On April 10, 2024, EPA released drinking water regulations placing MCL limits for six PFAS compounds.
• 2025 - Water utilities will be required to monitor 29 PFAS under the Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule.