Cotopaxi, CO: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Cotopaxi, CO water systems: poor compliance record, lower-tier safety grade.
How Cotopaxi Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Cotopaxi Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 25% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.01 — above typical levels.
Cotopaxi's Water Providers
Because residential water in Cotopaxi, CO flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Cotopaxi, Colorado (population ~2,175), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 34,800 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Cotopaxi — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cotopaxi: D (40/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Cotopaxi water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Cotopaxi
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81223 | D | CANON CITY CITY OF | 34,800 |
All ZIP Codes in Cotopaxi
- 81223 [D]
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
Updated daily.
Cotopaxi Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Cotopaxi Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
A post-1986 majority in Cotopaxi's housing inventory — median build year 1992 — generally signals lower aggregate plumbing-era lead risk.
Most homes in Cotopaxi were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Cotopaxi
The household financial picture for Cotopaxi homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in Cotopaxi are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 29% below the Colorado average.
Cotopaxi: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Whenever aggregate samples pass the federal action benchmark and pre-rule housing — 25% in Cotopaxi — represents a smaller fraction, lead occupies a lower priority on the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Cotopaxi
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Cotopaxi, CO