Water Quality in Denver, NC: 5 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 69/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Denver'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
The compliance record maintained by the EPA for Denver, NC documents 5 water violations — each tied to a specific public water system and assigned a violation category in the federal Safe Drinking Water dataset.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Denver
Water quality varies across Denver's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28037 | C | 69 | 5 | 2 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Denver, North Carolina receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 69 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving Denver have accumulated 5 EPA violations, including 2 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 51,136 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Denver'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 Denver water systems is 0.0100 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Denver is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Denver
Denver is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 51,136 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 Denver. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Denver
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 Denver Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Denver's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment 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 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Denver. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-11-14 | State Filed Suit |
| 2024-11-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-04-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-03-17 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-04.
Denver vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Denver's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | C | 5 | 4 | 51,136 |
| Lenoir | C | 18 | 5 | 50,576 |
| Mount Mourne | D | 0 | 1 | 52,509 |
| Salisbury | C | 4 | 5 | 52,883 |
Common Questions About Denver Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Denver, North Carolina:
Is Denver water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Denver's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Denver tap water? Denver's water receives a grade of C (69/100). There are 2 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Denver? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Denver vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Denver compares to the broader North Carolina 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 Denver.
ZIP Codes in Denver
Denver spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 28037. 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.