Dolores County, Colorado
5 ZIP codes · Avg score 46/100 · Grade D · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by area, Dolores County's 5 ZIP codes collectively show below-average water safety — health-based violations are documented throughout the county, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Dolores County Compares
How Dolores County Compares
Dolores County scores 14 points below the Colorado state average (60/100) and 22 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Dolores County, Colorado
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 12.6 (asthma 11.2%, diabetes 11%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $696, driven primarily by energy_code_gap
Infrastructure: 0.364% avg pipe failure probability, 20% of ZIPs at high risk
54.8% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2024–2025)
→ Stable trendEPA violation counts by year across Dolores County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2024 with 12 violations. Past 5 years: 24 total (24 health-based).
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $696
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
1,777 housing units in Dolores County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Dolores County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Dolores County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Dolores County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 3 systems in Dolores County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DOVE CREEK TOWN OF | 850 | 16 |
| 2 | Rico Town of | 437 | 4 |
| 3 | Norwood Water Commission | 1,700 | 0 |
All ZIP Codes in Dolores County
5 ZIP codes tracked in Dolores County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 81332 | Rico | 64 | C | 4 | $569K |
| 2 | 81324 | Dove Creek | 47 | D | 16 (6 health) | $204K |
| 3 | 81320 | Cahone | 40 | D | 0 | $250K |
| 4 | 81325 | Egnar | 40 | D | 0 | $457K |
| 5 | 81331 | Pleasant View | 40 | D | 0 | $347K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Dolores County
Filtered against EPA monitoring data and CDC lead-exposure guidance, the guides below skip the generic catalog and connect directly to the contaminants and hazards on file here.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 54.8% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Dolores County, Colorado
Overview
Dolores County in Colorado covers 5 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of D (46/100).
2 of 5 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 6 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to Colorado water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.
What You Can Do
Dolores County has a grade of D. Here are steps to protect your household.
Test your tap water
Order a certified lab test kit ($20-$50) to check for lead, bacteria, and other contaminants specific to your ZIP code.
Consider a certified water filter
NSF-certified filters can remove most common contaminants. Match the filter to your test results for best protection. Try our filter matcher
Contact your water utility
Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water provider. It details exactly what was found in your water supply.
Check for lead in your home
54.8% of homes in this county were built before 1978. Older plumbing and solder can leach lead into drinking water, especially in the morning.