Water Quality in Colorado City, AZ: 3 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 51/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Colorado City's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
SDWIS records for Colorado City, AZ show 3 EPA violations documented for the local water supply — these span the full range of reportable events from health-based exceedances to monitoring and reporting lapses registered with the federal program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Colorado City
Water quality varies across Colorado City's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86021 | D | 51 | 3 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Colorado City, Arizona receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 51 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Colorado City have accumulated 3 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,267 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Colorado City's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Colorado City water systems is 0.0143 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Colorado City is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Colorado City
Colorado City is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,267 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Colorado City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Colorado City
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Colorado City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Colorado City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 15 pCi/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Colorado City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-10-19 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-06-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-02-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-02-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-09-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-09-28 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-02-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-01-28 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-10-19.
Colorado City vs. Nearby Arizona Cities
How Colorado City's water quality compares to similar cities in Arizona:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado City | D | 3 | 1 | 1,267 |
| Cameron | B | 47 | 1 | 1,270 |
| Gray Mountain | D | 0 | 1 | 1,270 |
| Hotevilla | D | 0 | 1 | 1,270 |
Common Questions About Colorado City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Colorado City, Arizona:
Is Colorado City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Colorado City's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Colorado City tap water? Colorado City's water receives a grade of D (51/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Colorado City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Colorado City vs. Arizona Average
Understanding how Colorado City compares to the broader Arizona average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Colorado City.
ZIP Codes in Colorado City
Colorado City spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 86021. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.