Detected PFAS

PFAS in Golden, CO Drinking Water

PFAS data for Golden, Colorado · 64,218 residents · 4 ZIP codes

ZipCheckup's reading of PFAS in Golden, Colorado: the highest detected level is 0.004 ppt; the EPA limit is 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually). PFAS carries a high health-risk designation.

PFAS exposure in drinking water is tracked by EPA across the country; households in Golden, Colorado are among those with confirmed detections in the public water record.

0.004 ppt
Max Level Detected
3 ppt
Average Level
4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually)
EPA MCL
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Granular Activated Carbon
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-13

PFAS in Golden Tap Water

PFAS has been detected in Golden, Colorado drinking water at a maximum level of 0.004 detections — relative to the EPA MCL of 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually).

This analysis covers 64,218 residents across 4 ZIP codes in Golden.

Golden's overall water quality grade is C (66/100).

Is PFAS in Golden Water Safe?

PFAS was detected in Golden water but currently falls within EPA limits. However, some health organizations argue the EPA MCL may not be protective enough.

If you are concerned, a reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon filter can reduce pfas levels further.

PFAS Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code PFAS Level EPA Limit Status
80401 3 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Not comparable

Average pfas level across Golden: 3 ppt

Health Effects of PFAS

  • Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
  • Thyroid disease and immune system suppression
  • Reproductive problems and reduced fertility
  • Elevated cholesterol and liver effects
  • Developmental effects in infants and children

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (2024).

How PFAS Gets Into Drinking Water

  • Firefighting foam (AFFF) used at military bases and airports
  • Industrial manufacturing (non-stick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics)
  • Wastewater treatment plants that receive industrial discharge
  • Landfill leachate from PFAS-containing consumer products

What to Do About PFAS in Golden Water

  1. Install a reverse osmosis system (most effective — removes 90%+ of PFAS)
  2. Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters remove some PFAS compounds
  3. Look for NSF 53 or NSF 58 certification specifically tested for PFAS
  4. Pitcher filters with activated carbon provide partial reduction

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for pfas removal.

Related

HomeContaminantsPFASColorado → Golden

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). PFAS in Golden, CO Drinking Water. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/pfas/golden-co/
BibTeX
@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-pfas-golden-co,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{PFAS in Golden, CO Drinking Water}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/pfas/golden-co/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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