Water Quality in Fort Lupton, CO: 31 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Fort Lupton's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The compliance history for Fort Lupton, CO includes 31 water violations on file with the EPA — a federal tally that spans health-based exceedances, monitoring failures, and enforcement actions logged under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Fort Lupton
Water quality varies across Fort Lupton's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80621 | C | 61 | 31 | 4 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Fort Lupton.
Water Quality Overview
Fort Lupton, Colorado receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 61 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Fort Lupton have accumulated 31 EPA violations, including 4 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 14,013 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Fort Lupton's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Fort Lupton water systems is 0.0040 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 57% of homes built before 1986, Fort Lupton has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Fort Lupton is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Fort Lupton
Fort Lupton is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 14,013 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Lupton. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Fort Lupton
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 Fort Lupton Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Fort Lupton's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 1 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 7 | 1 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 5 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Fort Lupton:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2021 to 2 in 2023. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Lupton. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-28 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-27 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-24 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-29.
Fort Lupton vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
How Fort Lupton's water quality compares to similar cities in Colorado:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lupton | C | 31 | 5 | 14,013 |
| Lewis | D | 0 | 1 | 13,797 |
| Yellow Jacket | D | 0 | 1 | 13,797 |
| Peyton | C | 8 | 3 | 13,616 |
Common Questions About Fort Lupton Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Fort Lupton, Colorado:
Is Fort Lupton water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Fort Lupton's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Fort Lupton tap water? Fort Lupton's water receives a grade of C (61/100). There are 4 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Fort Lupton? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Fort Lupton vs. Colorado Average
Understanding how Fort Lupton compares to the broader Colorado 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 Fort Lupton.
ZIP Codes in Fort Lupton
Fort Lupton spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 80621. 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.