You turn on the tap in your Denver home, fill a glass, and pause for a second.
Is it safe to drink?
Will it taste good?
Should I filter it first?
If you're wondering "can you drink tap water in Denver?", you're definitely not alone. This is one of the most common questions for residents, newcomers, and travelers alike — and the answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no. Let’s walk you through everything you need to know about Denver’s tap water, its quality, and how to make sure every sip is safe and delicious.
Is Denver tap water safe to drink in 2025?
Yes — Denver tap water is generally safe to drink and meets all federal and state regulations. Denver Water, the city’s water utility, is known for its high standards and rigorous testing.
But here's the catch: "safe" doesn’t always mean clean, great-tasting, or free of long-term contaminants.
Why?
Because while water is treated at the plant, it still has to travel through miles of pipes — and in some older neighborhoods, those pipes may be decades old. Along the way, water can pick up things like:
- Lead from old plumbing systems
- Chlorine or chloramine used for disinfection
- Sediment or cloudiness from aging infrastructure
So, while you can drink it — should you drink it without filtering? Let’s take a closer look.
Where does Denver’s tap water come from and how is it treated?
Denver's water starts from fresh, high-altitude sources in the Rocky Mountains. The snowmelt flows into rivers and reservoirs like Dillon Reservoir, Gross Reservoir, and the South Platte River.
From there, Denver Water treats it through:
- Coagulation & flocculation – clumps together dirt and particles
- Sedimentation – removes heavy particles
- Filtration – catches smaller particles like bacteria and parasites
- Disinfection – typically with chlorine or chloramine to kill remaining germs
This process ensures compliance with the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act, but doesn’t eliminate everything — especially what might leach from pipes on the way to your faucet.
What’s in Denver tap water? Common contaminants and risks
According to Denver Water’s official reports and third-party water quality data, the most common concerns for tap water in Denver include:
- Chlorine/Chloramine – necessary for disinfection, but impacts taste and can irritate sensitive skin
- Lead – still a concern in homes built before 1986 if plumbing hasn’t been updated
- Haloacetic acids (HAAs) – disinfection byproducts, linked to long-term health risks
- PFAS (forever chemicals) – detected in some parts of Colorado but currently under monitoring
- Microplastics – emerging concern in urban water systems
Even at low levels, long-term exposure to some of these substances may raise health concerns, especially for kids, pregnant women, or anyone with a sensitive immune system.
Regional differences: water quality across Denver neighborhoods
While all Denver neighborhoods are supplied by Denver Water, local plumbing and infrastructure can affect what comes out of your faucet:
- Capitol Hill, Five Points, and Wash Park – Many older homes with original pipes; lead is a concern
- Stapleton & Central Park – Newer developments with safer materials, but chlorine taste still noticeable
- Highlands & Berkeley – Mixed building ages; occasional reports of cloudy water
- Surrounding suburbs – Some use different water utilities; quality may vary
Tip: If you live in a house built before 1986, consider a lead test kit or a faucet filter certified for lead reduction.
Hardness levels in Denver: Is your water soft or hard?
Denver’s water is considered moderately soft, which is a good thing!
You’ll notice:
- Less soap scum
- Softer skin and hair
- Longer life for your appliances
Still, even soft water can carry chlorine, sediment, and other impurities that impact taste and odor — and that’s where a good filter makes a difference.
Can you drink Denver tap water without filtering?
Technically, yes. But if you want water that:
- Tastes fresh (not like a swimming pool)
- Doesn’t contain lead from old pipes
- Reduces exposure to emerging contaminants like PFAS and microplastics
- Protects your family’s long-term health
Then filtering is the smart move.
You’ll still benefit from the clean mountain source — just without the unwanted extras.
Best water filters for Denver households
Looking for the right solution for your Denver tap water? Here are our top picks at Tappwater:
- EcoPro Faucet Filter: Attaches directly to your tap in seconds. Removes chlorine, lead, microplastics, PFAS, and more. No tools, no stress.
- PitcherPro Water Jug: Ideal for keeping filtered water chilled in the fridge. Removes contaminants and improves taste fast.
- Ultra Filter: For people who want the highest filtration power in the smallest space. Removes even the tiniest contaminants.
All filters are eco-friendly, affordable, and certified for top-tier performance. Plus, they help you ditch bottled water for good.
1 EcoPro filter = up to 1,200 plastic bottles saved.
FAQ: Denver tap water safety, drinkability, and Tappwater filters
1. Do I need a water filter if I live in Denver?
If you care about taste, removing chlorine, and avoiding potential lead or microplastics — then yes. Filtering adds a layer of protection that city treatment can’t guarantee.
2. How often do I need to replace the filters?
Every 3 months. Tappwater makes it easy with auto-subscriptions, so you never run out of clean water.
3. Can Tappwater filters remove lead and chlorine?
Yes. The EcoPro and Ultra Filter are tested to reduce lead, chlorine, microplastics, and over 100 other contaminants — without removing healthy minerals.
Want cleaner, better-tasting water today?
So, can you drink tap water in Denver? Yes — but filtering it makes it better.
With a simple faucet or jug filter from Tappwater, you’ll enjoy:
- Safe water from the Rockies
- Cleaner taste with no chlorine
- Less plastic waste and more peace of mind
Try EcoPro risk-free and taste the difference for yourself.
