Water Quality in Silver Plume, CO: 9 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 67/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Silver Plume'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
Federal EPA data for Silver Plume, CO shows 9 water compliance events in the record — the table below identifies system names and violation types.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Silver Plume
Water quality varies across Silver Plume's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80476 | C | 67 | 9 | 3 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Silver Plume, Colorado receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 67 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Silver Plume have accumulated 9 EPA violations, including 3 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 180 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Silver Plume'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 Silver Plume water systems is 0.0045 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 92% of homes built before 1986, Silver Plume 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
Silver Plume 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 Silver Plume
Silver Plume is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 180 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 Silver Plume. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Silver Plume
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 Silver Plume Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Silver Plume's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 4 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Silver Plume. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-10-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-10-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-10-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-10-17 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-08-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-07-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-07-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-10-05.
Silver Plume vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
How Silver Plume's water quality compares to similar cities in Colorado:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Plume | C | 9 | 1 | 180 |
| Crook | C | 3 | 1 | 182 |
| Buffalo Creek | C | 8 | 2 | 175 |
| Ophir | D | 32 | 1 | 193 |
Common Questions About Silver Plume Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Silver Plume, Colorado:
Is Silver Plume water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Silver Plume's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Silver Plume tap water? Silver Plume's water receives a grade of C (67/100). There are 3 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Silver Plume? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Silver Plume vs. Colorado Average
Understanding how Silver Plume 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 Silver Plume.
ZIP Codes in Silver Plume
Silver Plume spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 80476. 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.