Water Quality in Colora, MD: 6 Violations - Grade D
Grade D · Score 53/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Colora's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
On record with EPA: Colora, MD has 6 water violations.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Colora
Colora is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21917 | D | 53 | 6 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Colora.
Water Quality Overview
Colora, Maryland receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 53 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Colora have accumulated 6 EPA violations, including 2 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP code serving approximately 1,786 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Colora'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 Colora water systems is 0.0238 mg/L - this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 54% of homes built before 1986, Colora 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
Colora is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Colora
Colora is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,786 people across 1 ZIP code.
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 Colora. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Colora
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 Colora Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Colora's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | Yes |
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 Colora:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 2 in 2024 to 1 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Colora. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-09-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-09-05 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-09-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-06-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-06-18 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-06-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-09-21 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-24.
Colora vs. Nearby Maryland Cities
How Colora's water quality compares to similar cities in Maryland:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colora | D | 6 | 2 | 1,786 |
| Sabillasville | C | 0 | 3 | 1,814 |
| Pomfret | D | 0 | 2 | 1,836 |
| Cordova | C | 0 | 1 | 1,837 |
Common Questions About Colora Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Colora, Maryland:
Is Colora water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Colora's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Colora tap water? Colora's water receives a grade of D (53/100). There are 2 health-based violations - consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Colora? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Colora vs. Maryland Average
Understanding how Colora compares to the broader Maryland 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 Colora.
ZIP Codes in Colora
Colora spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 21917. 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.