Water Quality in New Castle, CO: 2 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 65/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
New Castle'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
New Castle in CO has 2 EPA water violations documented — the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in New Castle
Water quality varies across New Castle's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81647 | C | 65 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
New Castle, Colorado receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 65 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving New Castle have accumulated 2 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 6,465 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. New Castle'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 New Castle water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
New Castle 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 New Castle
New Castle is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 6,465 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 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving New Castle. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in New Castle
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 New Castle Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across New Castle's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 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 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving New Castle. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-13 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-30 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-11-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-02-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-02-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-02-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-13.
New Castle vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
How New Castle's water quality compares to similar cities in Colorado:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Castle | C | 2 | 4 | 6,465 |
| Limon | C | 6 | 2 | 6,369 |
| Buena Vista | C | 5 | 5 | 6,355 |
| Snowmass Village | C | 9 | 1 | 6,353 |
Common Questions About New Castle Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in New Castle, Colorado:
Is New Castle water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. New Castle's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink New Castle tap water? New Castle's water receives a grade of C (65/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for New Castle? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
New Castle vs. Colorado Average
Understanding how New Castle 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 New Castle.
ZIP Codes in New Castle
New Castle spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 81647. 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.