Is Cedaredge, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Cedaredge, CO — Water Quality Report
Cedaredge's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 23 water systems serve approximately 9,212 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 513 violations on record, including 67 health-based violations. 67 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cedaredge's water
Cedaredge ranks #201 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
The system has seen 90 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cedaredge, CO water safe to drink?
Cedaredge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 23 water systems serve approximately 9,212 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cedaredge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cedaredge's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-719). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cedaredge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cedaredge's water system has 513 total violations on record, including 67 health-based violations. 67 remain unresolved. 90 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Delta County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include North Fk Gunnison River Above Mouth Nr Lazear, Surface Creek, Fruit Growers Reservoir.
Where does Cedaredge's water come from?
Cedaredge's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 23 water systems serving approximately 9,212 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include North Fk Gunnison River Above Mouth Nr Lazear (river), Surface Creek (river), Fruit Growers Reservoir (lake).
What Cedaredge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cedaredge'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.
Cedaredge'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
D4 — exceptional droughtDelta County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 0.1% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Delta County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cedaredge's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (2023)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Cedaredge compares by contaminant
Explore where Cedaredge ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cedaredge's water comes from
Cedaredge's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 9,212 people through 23 water systems.
Water bodies near Cedaredge
Cedaredge is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Cedaredge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPPER SURFACE CREEK DOMESTIC WUA | CO0115784 | 2,800 | SW |
| CEDAREDGE TOWN OF | CO0115171 | 2,400 | SW |
| CEDAR MOUNTAIN VILLAGE MHP | CO0141171 | 475 | SWP |
| PARADISE PARK MHP | CO0139602 | 375 | SWP |
| RAMBLEWOOD MOBILE HOME PARK | TX0210006 | 350 | GWP |
| LAMPLIGHTER ESTATES MHP | CO0141467 | 250 | SWP |
| DUNCANSVILLE MHP LLC | PA4070013 | 250 | GW |
| HESPERIA MHP LLC | MI0040587 | 248 | GW |
| COALBY DOMESTIC WC | CO0115185 | 239 | GU |
| PICTURE RANCH MHP | CO0139610 | 220 | SWP |
| ROSE PARK MHP | CO0139685 | 220 | SWP |
| OAK GROVE MOBILE HOME PARK | TX1330018 | 213 | GW |
| GARFIELD ESTATES MHP | CO0139301 | 178 | SWP |
| VINEYARDS MHC | CO0139811 | 150 | SWP |
| TRINIDAD MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY | CO0136755 | 133 | SWP |
| APACHE MHP | CO0134119 | 120 | SWP |
| WESTLAKE MHP | CO0139839 | 116 | SWP |
| BILLINGS MHP | CO0123467 | 110 | SWP |
| CHERRY ACRES MHP | CO0115175 | 95 | GUP |
| VALLEY WEST PARK | CO0134870 | 93 | GWP |
| SUNSHINE ACRES MHP | CO0135727 | 78 | SWP |
| GINTERS GROVE DOMESTIC WATER CORP | CO0115310 | 62 | SWP |
| RIVERWOOD MOBILE HOME PARK | CO0115675 | 37 | SWP |
How Cedaredge compares
Full Colorado rankings →Cedaredge's score of 45/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Cedaredge, CO
Wikipedia →Cedaredge is a home rule municipality located in Delta County, Colorado, United States. It is a small, agricultural community with 2,279 residents as of 2020, producing beef cattle, elk, apples, and peaches. Cedaredge is also home to several of the 19 wineries in Delta County, produced from the region's few basic vineyards. Located beneath the southern slopes of the Grand Mesa in the Surface Creek Valley, Cedaredge has an elevated vantage point that affords southern views of the San Juan Mountains, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and the Coloradan communities of Delta, Olathe, and Montrose.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cedaredge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Delta
Frequently asked questions
Is Cedaredge, CO tap water safe to drink?
Cedaredge's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #201 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Cedaredge's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 513 violations are on record.
How is Cedaredge'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 Cedaredge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cedaredge's water come from?
Cedaredge's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 23 water systems serving approximately 9,212 residents.
What health violations has Cedaredge's water system had?
Cedaredge has 67 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 67 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cedaredge's water compare to other cities?
Cedaredge ranks #201 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 18% of state cities) and #14222 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.