Federal Heights Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
5.9 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.004 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
205.1 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.27
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Federal Heights, your appliances are currently losing 14% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Federal Heights | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.3 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -26% |
| Washing Machine | 9.8 yrs | 12 yrs | -18% |
| Water Heater | 11.5 yrs | 15 yrs | -23% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Federal Heights compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Federal Heights, Colorado | 101.5 mg/L | 3.7 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Sherrelwood, Colorado | 163 mg/L | 5.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Thornton, Colorado | 63 mg/L | 2.5 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Northglenn, Colorado | 150.5 mg/L | 5.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Westminster, Colorado | 55.5 mg/L | 2.2 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Federal Heights compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Federal Heights | 101.5 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Federal Heights's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Federal Heights, Colorado, in Adams County — an Adams County city adjacent to Westminster and Northglenn in the north Denver metro — receives its water from the Denver Water, drawing from the South Platte River or Dillon Reservoir (Adams County) through the north Denver metro distribution.
The moderately soft 101.5 mg/L hardness and TDS of 205.1 mg/L reflect the north Denver metro Adams County Denver Water supply's moderate character — the same Denver Water supply as Green River WY (101.5/193) in a completely different watershed, reflecting the consistently moderate character of the Colorado Front Range Precambrian Pikes Peak Granite dilution in Denver Water treatment (compare Fruita CO: 168/432 harder on the Grand Valley supply; Federal Heights softer from the Front Range Denver Water treatment). The South Platte at Adams County — Precambrian Pikes Peak Granite (insoluble — primary dilutant from reservoir), Cretaceous Denver Formation (slightly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), and Quaternary South Platte alluvium (calcareous — minor TDS).
At 101.5 mg/L with TDS 205, Federal Heights' water is moderately soft. Appliances last well with standard maintenance. Annual descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 3.7 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter — the Adams County north Denver metro industrial corridor contribute to Federal Heights' readings.
Geology & Source: Federal Heights in Adams County draws from the Denver Water on the South Platte River or Dillon Reservoir (Adams County, north Denver metro, Colorado) — the South Platte at Adams County drains the Rocky Mountain Front Range (Precambrian Pikes Peak Granite — insoluble) and Cretaceous Denver Formation (slightly calcareous) — Colorado Adams County Denver Water South Platte Precambrian-Cretaceous supply produces moderately soft water at 101.5 mg/L with TDS 205.1 mg/L.