EPA SDWIS City OverviewWater Testing & Safety Guide

Colorado Springs, CO Water Quality Testing & Safety Report

EPA compliance records, water testing guidelines, and hardness metrics for all 55 ZIP codes in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Data aggregated & verified by Sahajul Haque from federal SDWIS & ECHO filings

Quick EPA Verified Summary

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Colorado Springs, CO?

Tap water in Colorado Springs, CO receives an EPA Safety Grade of C (61/100) due to 0 health-based violation(s) and elevated lead risk. While treated by local utilities, residents are advised to test tap water and use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified filter for drinking and cooking.

Average Score

61/100

Health Violations

Water Hardness

Moderately Hard

105 mg/L (6.1 GPG)

High Lead Risk

of 55 ZIP codes

About Tap Water in Colorado Springs, CO

Drinking water in Colorado Springs, CO receives an average water quality grade of C (score: 61/100) across its 55 ZIP codes. Safe Drinking Water Act compliance monitoring is managed by local utilities including Colorado Springs Utilities.

⚠ Lead Risk Alert: Some ZIP codes in Colorado Springs are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk based on EPA data. Search your specific ZIP code for a detailed lead level report.

Water Quality Testing in Colorado Springs, CO

Tap Water & Well Water Testing Recommendations

Testing your drinking water in Colorado Springs confirms whether contaminants like lead, nitrates, bacteria, and PFAS are entering your home. While municipal utilities test water before distribution, private plumbing and private well systems require homeowner testing.

Tap Water Testing Checklist

1.Identify your plumbing age: Homes built before 1986 in Colorado Springs may have lead solder or lead service lines.
2.Request your utility's latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for annual municipal baseline data.
3.Use an EPA-certified laboratory or state-certified test kit for precision lead and PFAS detection (standard DIY strips cannot reliably measure trace heavy metals).
4.Collect a "first draw" sample: Test water that has sat motionless in pipes for at least 6 hours to check for plumbing corrosion.

Private Well Water Testing Checklist

•Private wells in CO are not monitored by the EPA or Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment — testing is 100% the homeowner's responsibility.
•Annual Test: Screen for Total Coliform Bacteria, E. coli, Nitrates/Nitrites, and pH every spring.
•Comprehensive Test (Every 3-5 Years): Test for heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Uranium), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Hardness.
•Post-Disruption Testing: Immediately test well water following heavy floods, local construction, agricultural runoff, or sudden taste/odor changes.

Critical Water Testing Parameters for Colorado Springs Residents

Parameter	Health Reason	EPA Limit / Standard
Lead (Pb)	Plumbing corrosion; dangerous neurotoxin for children	15 ppb (Action Level) / 0 ppb Goal
Total Coliform & E. Coli	Bacterial contamination from sewage or surface runoff	0 mg/L (Zero Tolerance)
Nitrates / Nitrites	Fertilizer and septic tank seepage; causes blue baby syndrome	10 mg/L (MCL)
Water Hardness (Ca & Mg)	Affects appliance lifespan, scale buildup, and skin hydration	Moderate (~100 mg/L)
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")	Industrial non-stick chemicals linked to metabolic and immune issues	4.0 ppt (EPA 2024 Rule)

State Regulatory Oversight: Environmental standards and certified water lab registries in CO are maintained by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Water Quality by ZIP Code — Colorado Springs, CO

Showing 55 of 55 monitored ZIP codes in Colorado Springs

80901

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record

80903

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record

80908

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record

80916

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record

80922

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record

80923

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record

80924

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record

80925

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record

80926

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record

80927

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record

80929

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record

80951

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record

80902

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 61/100✓ Clean Record

80912

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 61/100✓ Clean Record

80913

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 61/100✓ Clean Record

80914

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 61/100✓ Clean Record

80928

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 61/100✓ Clean Record

80930

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 61/100✓ Clean Record

80931

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 61/100✓ Clean Record

80932

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 61/100✓ Clean Record

80933

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 61/100✓ Clean Record

80934

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 61/100✓ Clean Record

80935

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 61/100✓ Clean Record

80936

Colorado Springs, CO

Score: 61/100✓ Clean Record

All Colorado Springs, CO ZIP Code Reports (55 Total)

80901 80903 80908 80916 80922 80923 80924 80925 80926 80927 80929 80951 80902 80912 80913 80914 80928 80930 80931 80932 80933 80934 80935 80936 80937 80938 80939 80941 80942 80943 80944 80945 80946 80947 80949 80950 80960 80962 80970 80977 80995 80997 80905 80907 80909 80910 80911 80915 80917 80918 80920 80921 80904 80906 80919

Nearby Cities Water Quality & Testing in Colorado

Compare tap water safety, EPA test scores, and water hardness across neighboring cities in Colorado:

Agate, CO1 ZIP code

Grade C

Aguilar, CO1 ZIP code

Grade C

Akron, CO1 ZIP code

Grade C

Alamosa, CO2 ZIP codes

Grade B

Allenspark, CO1 ZIP code

Amherst, CO1 ZIP code

Grade D

Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado Springs Water Quality & Testing

Is tap water safe to drink in Colorado Springs, CO?+

Tap water in Colorado Springs has a grade of C, indicating compliance concerns in recent years. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking.

How do I test water quality in Colorado Springs, CO?+

To test water quality in Colorado Springs, you can order an EPA-compliant drinking water test kit or submit samples to a state-certified environmental testing laboratory in CO. Testing is especially recommended for homes built before 1986 (to check for lead in plumbing) and for properties with private well systems.

Should I test private well water in Colorado Springs?+

Yes. Unlike municipal tap water, private wells in Colorado Springs, CO are not monitored or regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners are responsible for testing their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.

How hard is the tap water in Colorado Springs?+

Tap water in Colorado Springs is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated average hardness of 105 mg/L (6.1 GPG). A water softener is generally optional.

What is the water quality score for Colorado Springs?+

The average water quality score across 55 ZIP codes in Colorado Springs, CO is 61/100. Scores are derived from EPA violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Individual ZIP codes may vary — search your specific ZIP above for a personalized report.

Does Colorado Springs have lead in its tap water?+

12 out of 55 ZIP codes in Colorado Springs are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk. Older homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures. Residents should run their tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter.

Where does Colorado Springs's tap water come from?+

Tap water in Colorado Springs, CO primarily comes from surface water. Surface water systems treat water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs using filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection before it reaches your tap.

Looking for water quality reports in other cities in Colorado?

View All Cities & ZIPs in Colorado