Contaminant Removal

What RO Removes

A properly sized, NSF-certified RO system addresses the contaminants that matter most for Colorado Springs households.

PFAS "Forever Chemicals"

NSF-certified RO membranes remove 94–99.8% of PFAS compounds including PFOA and PFOS. This is especially relevant for residents in Fountain, Security, and Widefield with private wells affected by Peterson Space Force Base contamination, where some wells have tested above 1,370 ppt against an EPA MCL of just 4 ppt.

Lead & Heavy Metals

RO membranes are highly effective at removing lead, arsenic, chromium-6, barium, and other heavy metals. Chromium-6 has been detected in Colorado Springs water above levels recommended by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (<0.02 ppb), making RO a smart choice for health-conscious households.

Chlorine & Byproducts

RO removes chlorine, chloramines, and trihalomethanes (TTHMs) — disinfection byproducts that form when chlorine reacts with organic matter. Colorado Springs Utilities has recorded TTHMs as high as 77.8 ppb, very close to the federal 80 ppb limit. Carbon pre-filters paired with RO membranes provide thorough protection.

Total Dissolved Solids

RO reduces total dissolved solids (TDS) by 85–95%, producing water that's cleaner and better tasting than most bottled water. For households that spend $30–60 per month on bottled water, an RO system commonly pays for itself within two years while eliminating plastic waste.

Reverse Osmosis for Colorado Springs Homes

Colorado Springs city water is actually quite soft — sourced primarily from mountain snowmelt and reservoirs, it averages around 1.8 GPG. Hardness is not the issue here. What Colorado Springs households should be aware of are a different set of concerns: TTHMs recorded near the federal limit, chromium-6 detections above health guidelines, and for those who want premium drinking water quality, an RO system is the most comprehensive solution available.

We take an honest approach. Not every Colorado Springs home needs an RO system. But for families who want the highest level of assurance — particularly regarding PFAS, chromium-6, lead from older household plumbing, and disinfection byproducts — RO is the right tool.

Under-Sink RO vs. Whole-House RO

Under-sink RO treats water at a dedicated drinking water tap (and often a refrigerator line). It's the most common and affordable option for households primarily concerned with drinking and cooking water quality. Installed cost typically runs $300–800, depending on the system and any existing plumbing.

Whole-house RO treats all water entering the home — every tap, shower, and appliance. This is more appropriate for well water situations where contamination is severe enough to affect bathing and laundry, or for homeowners who want comprehensive protection throughout the house. Whole-house systems run $1,500–4,000 installed and often require a storage tank due to lower flow rates.

For most Colorado Springs city water customers, an under-sink system is the right fit. For well owners near Peterson SFB with documented high PFAS levels, whole-house treatment may be worth considering.

RO for PFAS Removal in Fountain and Security

PFAS contamination from Peterson Space Force Base firefighting foam (AFFF) has significantly impacted private wells in the Fountain, Security, and Widefield areas south of Colorado Springs. This contamination is distinct from the city's municipal supply — Colorado Springs Utilities tested for 29 PFAS compounds in 2024/2025 and found none above reporting limits.

For private well owners in the affected zones, NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis is one of the most effective treatment options available. The EPA's new Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS reflects how seriously this contamination is taken. Some wells in the area have tested above 1,370 ppt. An RO system installed at the kitchen tap can bring drinking water well below that threshold, and whole-house RO or granular activated carbon at the point of entry addresses bathing water as well.

RO Maintenance: What to Expect

A reverse osmosis system requires periodic maintenance to continue performing at its rated efficiency. Typical service intervals:

Pre-filters (sediment and carbon): Every 6–12 months, depending on water quality and usage
RO membrane: Every 2–3 years under normal use; may be longer with consistently good feed water
Post-filter (polishing carbon): Annually, to ensure finished water taste is at its best

We offer maintenance plans so you don't have to track replacement schedules yourself. We'll handle it and contact you when service is due. Skipping maintenance is the primary reason RO systems underperform — a membrane that hasn't been replaced on schedule won't remove contaminants at its rated levels.

FAQ

Reverse Osmosis Questions Answered

How much does an RO system cost in Colorado Springs?

Under-sink RO systems typically run $300–800 installed, depending on the system's stage count and any plumbing modifications required. Whole-house RO systems — appropriate for severe well water contamination — run $1,500–4,000. We provide free, written estimates before any work begins.

Does RO remove PFAS?

Yes. NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis membranes remove 94–99.8% of PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS. This brings drinking water well below the EPA's new Maximum Contaminant Level of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS. For well owners in the Fountain, Security, and Widefield areas, RO is one of the most reliable treatment options available.

Does RO water taste different?

Most people prefer it. With chlorine, TTHMs, and dissolved solids removed, the water is clean and neutral-tasting. Some households add a remineralization stage — a small calcite cartridge that adds trace minerals back — for a slightly more natural mineral taste. For families accustomed to bottled water, RO water typically matches or exceeds what they're used to, at a fraction of the cost.

Does RO waste water?

Standard RO units produce 2–4 gallons of concentrate (brine) for every gallon of purified water — this concentrate goes down the drain. Modern high-efficiency systems do much better, approaching a 1:1 ratio. In most cases, the savings from replacing bottled water easily offset the additional water use. We can discuss efficiency ratings for any system we recommend.

The Gold Standard for Drinking Water