Water Quality in Rocky Ford, CO: 51 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 45/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Rocky Ford's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Water systems in Rocky Ford, CO have accumulated 51 EPA violations across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Rocky Ford
Water quality varies across Rocky Ford's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81067 | D | 45 | 51 | 22 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Rocky Ford.
Water Quality Overview
Rocky Ford, Colorado receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 45 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Rocky Ford have accumulated 51 EPA violations, including 22 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 5,784 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Rocky Ford's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Rocky Ford water systems is 0.0020 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 83% of homes built before 1986, Rocky Ford 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
Rocky Ford 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 Rocky Ford
Rocky Ford is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 5,784 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 Rocky Ford. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Rocky Ford
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 Rocky Ford Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Rocky Ford's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 15 | 1 | No |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/L | 12 | 1 | Yes |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 15 pCi/L | 9 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 7 | 1 | Yes |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 4 | 1 | No |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 4 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 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 Rocky Ford:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 5 |
| 2025 | 10 | 10 |
Violations have increased from 5 in 2024 to 10 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Rocky Ford. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-10-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-10-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-10-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-19 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-10-30.
Rocky Ford vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
How Rocky Ford's water quality compares to similar cities in Colorado:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Ford | D | 51 | 5 | 5,784 |
| Salida | C | 33 | 3 | 5,806 |
| Coaldale | D | 0 | 1 | 5,666 |
| Howard | D | 0 | 1 | 5,666 |
Common Questions About Rocky Ford Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Rocky Ford, Colorado:
Is Rocky Ford water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Rocky Ford's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Rocky Ford tap water? Rocky Ford's water receives a grade of D (45/100). There are 22 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Rocky Ford? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Rocky Ford vs. Colorado Average
Understanding how Rocky Ford 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 Rocky Ford.
ZIP Codes in Rocky Ford
Rocky Ford spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 81067. 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.