Is Calhan, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 40 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Calhan, CO — Water Quality Report
Calhan's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,317 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 372 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 40 remain unresolved.
What to know about Calhan's water
Calhan ranks #163 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Calhan relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Calhan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 43 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Calhan, CO water safe to drink?
Calhan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,317 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Calhan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Calhan's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4731). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4229). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Calhan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Calhan's water system has 372 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 40 remain unresolved. 43 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
El Paso County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Calhan's water come from?
Calhan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,317 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Calhan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Calhan's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Calhan's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtEl Paso County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
El Paso County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Calhan compares by contaminant
Explore where Calhan ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Calhan's water comes from
Calhan's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,317 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Calhan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CALHAN TOWN OF | CO0121075 | 780 | GW |
| GRAND VIEW MHP | CO0121345 | 250 | GW |
| PRAIRIE ESTATES | CO0121650 | 220 | GW |
| PEAKS SHADOW LLC | CO0121220 | 67 | GW |
How Calhan compares
Full Colorado rankings →Calhan's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Calhan, CO
Wikipedia →The Town of Calhan is a statutory town located in El Paso County, Colorado, United States. The town population was 762 at the 2020 United States census. Calhan is a part of the Colorado Springs, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Front Range Urban Corridor. The town straddles U.S. Highway 24. With Calhan sitting at an elevation of 6,535 feet above sea level, Calhan is the highest non-mountain town in the United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Calhan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across El Paso
Frequently asked questions
Is Calhan, CO tap water safe to drink?
Calhan's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #163 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Calhan's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 372 violations are on record.
How is Calhan's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Calhan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Calhan's water come from?
Calhan's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,317 residents.
What health violations has Calhan's water system had?
Calhan has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 40 violations remain unresolved.
Is Calhan's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Calhan uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 372 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Calhan's water compare to other cities?
Calhan ranks #163 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 34% of state cities) and #13149 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.