Rocky Ford, CO: 22 Health Violations — 45/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Rocky Ford ranks below average for tap water safety in CO — health-based violations are documented across multiple service areas in recent EPA monitoring data.
How Rocky Ford Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Rocky Ford Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 51 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 83% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.1 — above typical levels.
Rocky Ford's Water Providers
Rocky Ford, CO is covered by 3 major water utilities out of 5 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 1 ZIP code in Rocky Ford, Colorado, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 5,590 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 22 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Rocky Ford: D (45/100)
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
Rocky Ford water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 30 | 1 |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 24 | 1 |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 18 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 14 | 1 |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 8 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81067 | D | 51 | 22 | City of Rocky Ford |
All ZIP Codes in Rocky Ford
- 81067 [D] — 51 violations ⚠
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.
Rocky Ford 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
What's in Rocky Ford's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Rocky Ford Infrastructure Age
With 83% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Rocky Ford's median build year of 1954 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Rocky Ford were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Rocky Ford
In Rocky Ford, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is elevated enough that homeowners who identify documented issues early have an advantage — understanding the scope, sequencing by urgency, and phasing the work against household budget capacity are the practical levers that determine whether remediation feels manageable or overwhelming at this equity tier.
At 2.6% of home value, remediation costs in Rocky Ford represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $2,300–$5,600. Home values here are 69% below the Colorado average.
Rocky Ford: 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.
Older stock in Rocky Ford represents 83% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Rocky Ford: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Rocky Ford shows a moderate flood record — 6 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Rocky Ford has a moderate flood history with 6 FEMA claims averaging $2,429 per payout. 100% 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>$3,600</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 Rocky Ford
- 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. Filters rated for Lead and Copper Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Rocky Ford's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 83% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- 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 Rocky Ford, CO