Federal Heights bills water and sewer out of its own City Hall rather than through Denver Water, but we could not find a published water source or hardness figure for the city. That makes a test at your tap the only solid basis for buying a softener. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Federal Heights.
What is known about Federal Heights water
Federal Heights is a small, fully built-out city in western Adams County, named for Federal Boulevard and home to Water World. A title-insurance utility directory lists both water and sewer billing at Federal Heights City Hall, 2380 W. 90th Avenue, and Denver Water's distributor list does not include the city. Beyond that, we were not able to confirm where the water comes from, whether the city treats it or buys it treated, or what its hardness is. The city's own website could not be reviewed.
That is not a reason to worry about the water. It simply means you should not trust anyone who quotes a hardness number for Federal Heights without testing. Ask City Hall for the latest water quality report, which every public water system must provide, and have a plumber measure hardness at your kitchen tap. A test takes a few minutes and gives you a number you can plug straight into a softener's settings, or a reason to skip one. If you are also curious about taste, the same report should say which disinfectant the system uses, which tells you what kind of filter would help.
Options once you have a reading
| Test result | Typical choice | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soft, under about 60 ppm | No softener | Address taste with a filter if needed |
| Moderate, roughly 60 to 120 ppm | Optional softener | Worth it with a tankless heater or heavy spotting |
| Hard, above about 120 ppm | Softener recommended | Size for household use and the reading |
Signs that point to hardness
- White crust on faucets and showerheads
- Spots on dishes and glass
- Rumbling or popping from the water heater
- Soap scum that builds quickly in tubs and showers
Timing and practical notes
If your water heater is near replacement, test the water first and decide on a softener at the same time, since both are installed near the main. Winter installs in an unheated garage need insulation or a heated spot, because a frozen valve or brine line stops working. We could not verify the city's permit office, so ask the plumber to check with City Hall before tying anything into the main. For water or sewer questions, the directory listing gives City Hall's number as 303-412-3531.
Water Softeners & Filtration questions in Federal Heights
Does my water provider publish a hardness number?
How hard does water have to be before a softener is worth it?
How do grains per gallon compare with ppm or mg/L?
Can a softener sit in a garage through a Colorado winter?
More plumbing services in Federal Heights
Water Softeners & Filtration nearby
Helpful guides
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