Water Quality in Glenwood Springs, CO: 42 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 58/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Glenwood Springs'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 Glenwood Springs, CO includes 42 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 Glenwood Springs
Water quality varies across Glenwood Springs's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81601 | C | 55 | 21 | 0 | View report → |
| 81602 | C | 60 | 21 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Glenwood Springs, Colorado receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 58 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Glenwood Springs have accumulated 42 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 13,499 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Glenwood Springs'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 Glenwood Springs water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 55% of homes built before 1986, Glenwood Springs 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
Glenwood Springs 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 Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 13,499 people across 2 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 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Glenwood Springs. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Glenwood Springs
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 Glenwood Springs Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Glenwood Springs's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 18 | 2 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 14 | 2 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 2 | 2 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 2 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 2 | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Glenwood Springs. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-10-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-04 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-07 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-07 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-10-23.
Glenwood Springs vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
How Glenwood Springs's water quality compares to similar cities in Colorado:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenwood Springs | C | 42 | 5 | 13,499 |
| Peyton | C | 8 | 3 | 13,616 |
| Lewis | D | 0 | 1 | 13,797 |
| Yellow Jacket | D | 0 | 1 | 13,797 |
Common Questions About Glenwood Springs Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Glenwood Springs, Colorado:
Is Glenwood Springs water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Glenwood Springs's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Glenwood Springs tap water? Glenwood Springs's water receives a grade of C (58/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Glenwood Springs? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Glenwood Springs vs. Colorado Average
Understanding how Glenwood Springs 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 Glenwood Springs.
ZIP Codes in Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 81601. 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.