EPA system CO0130001 · Colorado
Arvada City of: No PFAS found; lithium up to 9.6 ppb, below the 10 ppb health reference level
highest single sample; sampled March 2023–February 2024. Source: EPA UCMR 5 final release, August 2026.
Arvada City of is a local-government-owned community water system in Colorado serving about 171,610 people, matched to 8 ZIP codes.
MCL 4.0 ppt · not detected above the reporting level
MCL 4.0 ppt · not detected above the reporting level
health reference level 10 ppb · below the health reference level
What EPA says about what was found
- Lithium EPA's health reference level is derived from a 2008 provisional toxicity value based on effects seen at therapeutic lithium doses; EPA notes the assessment is provisional. EPA source
Quoted from EPA assessments. This site adds no health claims of its own.
PFAS and lithium: what EPA's national survey found
EPA tested this water for 30 substances and found 1. Lithium reached 9.6 ppb; EPA's health reference level, which is guidance and not a limit, is 10 ppb.
Between March 2023 and February 2024, EPA's UCMR 5 program tested 240 samples from 2 sampling locations for 30 contaminants (29 PFAS plus lithium). 1 were detected above the reporting level in at least one sample. Lithium reached 9.6 ppb in a single sample, below the health reference level of 10 ppb, which is non-regulatory.
Show the 29 contaminants not detected above the reporting level
Full table: samples, detections, highest single sample, complete-set average and sampling dates for all 30 contaminants
| Contaminant | Samples | Detections | Highest single sample | Complete-set average (results used) | EPA reference | Status | Sampled |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium | 8 | 1 | 9.6 ppb | 2.4 ppb (4 of 4) | 10 ppb health reference level · compared on the highest sample | below the health reference level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 8 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| 4:2 FTS | 8 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| 6:2 FTS | 8 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| 8:2 FTS | 8 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | 8 | 0 | < 2.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| ADONA | 8 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 8 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | 10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| NEtFOSAA | 8 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| NFDHA | 8 | 0 | < 20.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| NMeFOSAA | 8 | 0 | < 6.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFBA | 8 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | 6,000 ppt screening level · compared on the highest sample | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFBS | 8 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | 2,000 ppt health-based water concentration · compared on the highest sample | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFDA | 8 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFDoA | 8 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFEESA | 8 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFHpA | 8 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFHpS | 8 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFHxA | 8 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | 3,000 ppt screening level · compared on the highest sample | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFHxS | 8 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | 10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFMBA | 8 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFMPA | 8 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFNA | 8 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | 10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFOA | 8 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | 4.0 ppt MCL · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFOS | 8 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | 4.0 ppt MCL · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFPeA | 8 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFPeS | 8 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFTA | 8 | 0 | < 8.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFTrDA | 8 | 0 | < 7.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
| PFUnA | 8 | 0 | < 2.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | March 2023 – February 2024 |
Sampling-point average: mean of a location's two (ground water) or four (surface water) UCMR 5 results with non-detects counted as zero, EPA's method for comparing UCMR 5 data to the PFAS MCLs. EPA rounds to the reference value's significant digits before deciding whether an average is "greater than" an MCL (PFOA/PFOS averages count as above 4.0 ng/L only from 4.05 ng/L; lithium results count as above the 10 ppb reference only from 15 ppb). This site does not apply that rounding: "at or above" here means the measured value is numerically at or above the reference.
Every detection by sampling location (1 results)
| Date | Sampling location | Source water | Contaminant | Result | Reporting level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 26, 2024 | Arvada Entry Point @ Westwoods Arvada Finished Water @ Westwoods | surface water | Lithium | 9.6 ppb | 9 ppb |
Utility-reported context (UCMR 5 questionnaire, aggregated across sampling events): PFAS previously found at this system: yes at 8 of 8 sampling events; potential PFAS sources nearby: no at 8 of 8 sampling events; PFAS treatment in place: no PFAS treatment at 8 of 8 sampling events.
Lead at customer taps
In the latest completed monitoring period, ending Dec 31, 2025, 9 in 10 sampled homes had lead at or below 3.1 ppb, below the 15 ppb action level that triggers utility action. None of the 19 periods on record reached it.
In the most recent completed lead monitoring period, ending Dec 31, 2025, the 90th-percentile lead result at customer taps was 3.1 ppb, below the action level of 15 ppb (19 monitoring periods on record, none at the action level). The 90th percentile is the value that 9 in 10 sampled homes were at or below. Values are in parts per billion (ppb).
| Monitoring period | Metal | 90th percentile | Action level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2025 | Lead | 3.1 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 | Lead | 3.6 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020 | Lead | 5 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019 | Lead | 5 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2018 | Lead | 4.8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017 | Lead | 4.9 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2014 – Dec 31, 2016 | Lead | 3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2011 – Dec 31, 2013 | Lead | 7 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2008 – Dec 31, 2010 | Lead | 7 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2005 – Dec 31, 2007 | Lead | 10.3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2002 – Dec 31, 2004 | Lead | 12 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 1999 – Dec 31, 1999 | Lead | 3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
Show all 19 monitoring periods on record
| Monitoring period | Metal | 90th percentile | Action level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2025 | Lead | 3.1 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 | Lead | 3.6 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020 | Lead | 5 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019 | Lead | 5 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2018 | Lead | 4.8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017 | Lead | 4.9 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2014 – Dec 31, 2016 | Lead | 3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2011 – Dec 31, 2013 | Lead | 7 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2008 – Dec 31, 2010 | Lead | 7 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2005 – Dec 31, 2007 | Lead | 10.3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2002 – Dec 31, 2004 | Lead | 12 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 1999 – Dec 31, 1999 | Lead | 3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 1997 – Dec 31, 1997 | Lead | 4 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 1997 – Jun 30, 1997 | Lead | 4 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 1996 – Dec 31, 1996 | Lead | 4 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 1995 – Dec 31, 1995 | Lead | 9 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 1994 – Dec 31, 1994 | Lead | 7 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 1993 – Dec 31, 1993 | Lead | 5 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 1992 – Dec 31, 1992 | Lead | 7 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
Drinking water violations since Sep 3, 2016
EPA lists 4 violations since Sep 3, 2016. None is health-based. All concern missed monitoring, reporting or public notices, not the water itself.
EPA's SDWIS database lists 4 violations recorded since Sep 3, 2016: 4 for monitoring or reporting, none health-based.
| Compliance period | Type | Contaminant / rule | Description | Records | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2024 – Jun 30, 2024 | MR | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) | 1 record | Resolved · 3 enforcement actions |
| May 1, 2024 – May 31, 2024 | MR | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) | 1 record | Resolved · 3 enforcement actions |
| Mar 1, 2024 – Mar 31, 2024 | MR | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Filter) | 1 record | Resolved · 4 enforcement actions |
| Feb 1, 2024 – Feb 29, 2024 | MR | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Filter) | 1 record | Resolved · 4 enforcement actions |
Sanitary surveys and site visits
Most recent state inspection: May 30, 2024 (sanitary survey); 1 visit since Sep 3, 2021.
What you can do about these results
Test your own tap
EPA results are measured where water enters the distribution system, not at your tap.
A certified-lab mail-in kit reports lead and PFAS from your own faucet; strip tests do not detect PFAS.
ZIP codes served
Sources
Data vintage: EPA UCMR 5 occurrence data, samples collected 2023-01-03 – 2026-06-17, final release, August 2026 (file dated Aug 28, 2026); EPA SDWIS via ECHO, 2026Q2 extract (file dated Jul 9, 2026); EPA service-area boundaries v3.0; Census 2020 ZCTAs. Page generated 2026-09-03.
- EPA ECHO detailed facility report
- EPA UCMR 5 Data Finder
- EPA service-area boundary: modeled, 40.5 sq mi
