2026 Rankings

Worst Infrastructure: Denver Metro — 2026

Last updated: August 31, 2026

61 ZIP codes ranked by Pipe Failure Risk #1: ZIP 80002 (Arvada, CO) - NaN%

Out of 61 ZIP codes with infrastructure data in the Denver metro area, these areas face the highest estimated risk of water pipe failure based on infrastructure age, funding gaps, and violation history.

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 61
Highest risk NaN%
Median risk NaN%
Average risk NaN%

Top 61 Highest Risk ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Pipe Failure Risk Risk Level Safety Score
1 80002 Arvada CO NaN% Unknown 65/100
2 80003 Arvada CO NaN% Unknown 64/100
3 80004 Arvada CO NaN% Unknown 65/100
4 80005 Arvada CO NaN% Unknown 64/100
5 80007 Arvada CO NaN% Unknown 64/100
6 80010 Aurora CO NaN% Unknown 67/100
7 80011 Aurora CO NaN% Unknown 67/100
8 80012 Aurora CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
9 80013 Aurora CO NaN% Unknown 65/100
10 80014 Aurora CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
11 80015 Aurora CO NaN% Unknown 49/100
12 80016 Aurora CO NaN% Unknown 39/100
13 80017 Aurora CO NaN% Unknown 67/100
14 80018 Aurora CO NaN% Unknown 65/100
15 80019 Aurora CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
16 80030 Westminster CO NaN% Unknown 64/100
17 80031 Westminster CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
18 80045 Aurora CO NaN% Unknown 67/100
19 80202 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
20 80203 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
21 80204 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
22 80205 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
23 80206 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
24 80207 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
25 80209 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
26 80210 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 63/100
27 80211 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
28 80212 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
29 80214 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
30 80215 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 67/100
31 80216 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 63/100
32 80218 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
33 80219 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 63/100
34 80220 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
35 80221 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 45/100
36 80222 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
37 80223 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 63/100
38 80224 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
39 80226 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 65/100
40 80227 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 65/100
41 80228 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 65/100
42 80229 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 47/100
43 80230 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
44 80231 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
45 80232 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 65/100
46 80233 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 47/100
47 80234 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 53/100
48 80235 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
49 80236 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 63/100
50 80237 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
51 80238 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
52 80239 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
53 80241 Thornton CO NaN% Unknown 47/100
54 80246 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 65/100
55 80247 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
56 80249 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
57 80260 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 33/100
58 80264 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100
59 80266 Denver CO NaN% Unknown
60 80290 Denver CO NaN% Unknown
61 80294 Denver CO NaN% Unknown 66/100

Methodology

Infrastructure risk rankings combine four data sources, each weighted equally (25%): (1) EPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey (DWINS 2023) — state-level 20-year funding gap per capita for pipe replacement, treatment, and storage; (2) Census ACS housing vintage — percentage of homes built before 1980, when lead solder and galvanized pipes were common; (3) EPA SDWIS violation and enforcement data — system-level compliance history; (4) Lead and Copper Rule indicators — service line material inventories and 90th percentile lead testing results. The combined score is normalized to a 0-100% probability scale.

Data sources: EPA DWINS 2023, Census ACS, EPA SDWIS, Lead and Copper Rule data. Last updated: 2026-08-31.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does pipe failure probability mean?

Pipe failure probability estimates the likelihood of water main breaks, lead contamination from corroded pipes, or service disruptions based on infrastructure age, state funding gaps, violation history, and lead indicators. It is not a prediction of imminent failure, but a risk assessment based on known factors.

How is infrastructure risk calculated?

The risk score combines four equally weighted factors: state-level infrastructure funding gap per capita (from EPA DWINS 2023), housing vintage (Census ACS pre-1980 housing percentage), water system violation and enforcement history (EPA SDWIS), and lead exposure indicators (service line probability and testing results).

What can homeowners do about aging infrastructure?

Test your tap water annually, especially for lead. Check if your home has a lead service line through your water utility. Consider a whole-house water filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified). Review your water system Consumer Confidence Report for violation history.

Does high risk mean my water is unsafe right now?

Not necessarily. Infrastructure risk indicates long-term vulnerability, not current contamination. However, areas with aging pipes and high violation counts have a statistically higher chance of water quality issues. Regular testing is the best way to verify your water safety.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →


Related Rankings

Water Safety 2026 EPA violations and water quality scores Lead Risk 2026 Lead pipe infrastructure and EPA exceedances Infrastructure 2026 Aging pipes, system age and remediation costs
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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