Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) are a family of manmade chemicals that do not occur naturally in the environment. These compounds are found in firefighting foams, coating additives and surface protection products for carpets and clothing, and other common commercial products. PFCs can make their way into the environment including water.

The surface water Security uses does not contain PFCs. However, when the EPA’s more stringent May 2016 new health advisory level was released, our wells did not meet the PFAS regulatory standard. In response, the District shut down our groundwater wells, adding mainline extensions to supply surface water to all customers. We also enacted voluntary outdoor watering restrictions during the summer to reduce our use of this surface water and installed additional infrastructure so we could purchase more surface water from Colorado Springs.

Ultimately, groundwater still remains the most affordable water source in Security’s water portfolio, so it’s important that we’re able to resume using it as part of our water supply. Peterson Air Force Base has publicly committed to paying $4.3 million to treat contaminated groundwater since PFCs were discovered in the firefighting foam the Air Force used. Security Water is looking to the Air Force to advance its plans to treat the groundwater for PFCs.

Security Water District has confirmed through service line records, visual inspections, and statistical-multi source analysis, in accordance with State requirements, that the distribution system contains no lead service lines or galvanized requiring replacement service lines.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment adopted EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), effective October 15, 2023. This adoption required the Security Water District to:

• Complete, submit, and make publicly accessible an initial service line inventory by October 16, 2024 (see information below).
• Initiate notification of service line material for lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown service lines by November 15, 2024.
• Initiate Tier 1 public notification of a lead action level exceedance above 15 parts per billion.
• Use updated health effects language for lead in public notifications.

Service Line Inventory
A service line is the underground pipe that carries water from the water main, likely in the street, into your home or building. If you would like to view a copy of our service line inventory or have questions about the material of your service line, contact us at 719-392-3475.