Nitrate in Littleton, CO Drinking Water
Nitrate data for Littleton, Colorado · 318,691 residents · 16 ZIP codes
Over the past reporting period, water systems in Littleton, Colorado have recorded Nitrate at detectable concentrations in EPA compliance samples.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-06-04
Nitrate in Littleton Tap Water
Littleton, Colorado has 9 EPA violations related to nitrate in drinking water.
This analysis covers 318,691 residents across 16 ZIP codes in Littleton.
Littleton's overall water quality grade is C (68/100).
Is Nitrate in Littleton Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or ion exchange filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.
EPA Violations for Nitrate in Littleton
| Date | Violation Type | Status | ZIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-07-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 80127 |
| 2024-04-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 80127 |
| 2024-01-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 80127 |
| 2023-10-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 80127 |
| 2022-04-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 80127 |
| 2022-01-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 80127 |
| 2021-10-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 80127 |
| 2021-07-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 80127 |
| 2021-04-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 80127 |
Health Effects of Nitrate
- Methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome") in infants under 6 months
- Increased risk of colorectal and bladder cancer (long-term)
- Thyroid disease from chronic exposure
- Possible reproductive effects
Health risk severity: High. Governed by the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
How Nitrate Gets Into Drinking Water
- Agricultural fertilizer runoff
- Animal feedlot operations and manure
- Septic system leachate
- Urban stormwater and wastewater discharge
What to Do About Nitrate in Littleton Water
- Reverse osmosis is the most effective method for nitrate removal
- Ion exchange systems designed for nitrate can also work
- Standard carbon filters do NOT remove nitrate
- Boiling water increases nitrate concentration — never boil for nitrate
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for nitrate removal.