Water Quality in Wheat Ridge, CO: 2 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 52/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Wheat Ridge's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Looking at EPA compliance data for Wheat Ridge, CO, the record shows 2 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Wheat Ridge
Water quality varies across Wheat Ridge's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80034 | D | 50 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 80033 | D | 53 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Wheat Ridge.
Water Quality Overview
Wheat Ridge, Colorado receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 52 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Wheat Ridge have accumulated 2 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 34,083 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Wheat Ridge'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 Wheat Ridge water systems is 0.0100 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 80% of homes built before 1986, Wheat Ridge 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
Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge
Wheat Ridge is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 34,083 people across 2 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 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Wheat Ridge. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Wheat Ridge
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
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Wheat Ridge:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8 | 8 |
| 2023 | 12 | 12 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have decreased from 8 in 2022 to 2 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Wheat Ridge. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-25 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-02-07 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-07 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-10-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-06-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-05-29 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-25.
Wheat Ridge vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
How Wheat Ridge's water quality compares to similar cities in Colorado:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat Ridge | D | 2 | 5 | 34,083 |
| Cotopaxi | D | 0 | 1 | 34,800 |
| Clifton | B | 0 | 2 | 35,300 |
| Aspen | B | 14 | 5 | 32,411 |
Common Questions About Wheat Ridge Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Wheat Ridge, Colorado:
Is Wheat Ridge water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Wheat Ridge's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Wheat Ridge tap water? Wheat Ridge's water receives a grade of D (52/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Wheat Ridge? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Wheat Ridge vs. Colorado Average
Understanding how Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge.
ZIP Codes in Wheat Ridge
Wheat Ridge spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 80033. 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.