Is Cheyenne Wells, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78/100
waterverge.com Cheyenne Wells, CO — Water Quality Report
Cheyenne Wells's drinking water received a grade of B (78 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 840 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 136 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cheyenne Wells's water
Cheyenne Wells ranks #88 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cheyenne Wells 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, Cheyenne Wells may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cheyenne Wells, CO water safe to drink?
Cheyenne Wells's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 840 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cheyenne Wells
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cheyenne Wells's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4731). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cheyenne Wells's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cheyenne Wells's water system has 136 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cheyenne County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Cheyenne Wells's water come from?
Cheyenne Wells's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 840 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cheyenne Wells residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cheyenne Wells'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCheyenne County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Cheyenne County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cheyenne Wells compares by contaminant
Explore where Cheyenne Wells ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cheyenne Wells's water comes from
Cheyenne Wells'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 840 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cheyenne Wells
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEYENNE WELLS TOWN OF | CO0109006 | 840 | GW |
How Cheyenne Wells compares
Full Colorado rankings →Cheyenne Wells's score of 78/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Cheyenne Wells, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cheyenne Wells's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cheyenne
Frequently asked questions
Is Cheyenne Wells, CO tap water safe to drink?
Cheyenne Wells's water quality earned a grade of B (78/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #88 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Cheyenne Wells's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 136 violations are on record.
How is Cheyenne Wells'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 Cheyenne Wells?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cheyenne Wells's water come from?
Cheyenne Wells's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 840 residents.
What health violations has Cheyenne Wells's water system had?
Cheyenne Wells has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cheyenne Wells's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cheyenne Wells 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 136 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 Cheyenne Wells's water compare to other cities?
Cheyenne Wells ranks #88 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 64% of state cities) and #8827 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cheyenne Wells's small water system affect quality?
Cheyenne Wells's system serves approximately 840 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 136 violations on record.