Pueblo, CO: High Radon Risk — 67/100 (2026)
12 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Pueblo, CO: mid-range safety grade, uneven compliance across service areas.
How Pueblo Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Pueblo, CO
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across Pueblo.
Pueblo Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0023 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,950 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.61 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Pueblo
Pueblo, CO is covered by 3 major water utilities out of 6 federally tracked systems, each managing its own pipes, treatment processes, and EPA filings. What a household gets from the tap depends on which provider's system serves that address.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 12 ZIP codes in Pueblo, Colorado, covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 161,607 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Pueblo — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Pueblo: C (67/100)
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
Pueblo water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0023 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 12 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81001 | C | Pueblo Board of Ww | 114,070 |
| 81002 | C | Pueblo Board of Ww | 114,070 |
| 81003 | C | Pueblo Board of Ww | 114,070 |
| 81004 | B | Pueblo Board of Ww | 114,070 |
| 81005 | B | Pueblo Board of Ww | 114,070 |
| 81006 | C | Pueblo Board of Ww | 114,070 |
| 81007 | B | Pueblo Board of Ww | 114,070 |
| 81008 | B | Pueblo Board of Ww | 114,070 |
| 81009 | C | Pueblo Board of Ww | 114,070 |
| 81010 | C | Pueblo Board of Ww | 114,070 |
All ZIP Codes in Pueblo
- 81001 [C]
- 81002 [C]
- 81003 [C]
- 81004 [B]
- 81005 [B]
- 81006 [C]
- 81007 [B]
- 81008 [B]
- 81009 [C]
- 81010 [C]
- 81011 [C]
- 81012 [C]
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.
CDC Health Data for Pueblo
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
Pueblo: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given current Pueblo valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Pueblo are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,300–$2,608 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 38% below the Colorado average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Pueblo
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.
Lead risk in Pueblo appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Pueblo
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Pueblo has accumulated 83 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 58% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
Pueblo has a moderate flood history with 83 FEMA claims averaging $3,690 per payout. 58% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,950</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Pueblo
- 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Pueblo, CO