Is Collbran, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
88.6/100
waterverge.com Collbran, CO — Water Quality Report
Collbran's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 678 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Collbran's water
Collbran ranks #28 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Collbran 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, Collbran may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Collbran, CO water safe to drink?
Collbran's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 678 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Collbran
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Collbran's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.6/100).
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
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 Collbran'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
Collbran's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Mesa County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Vega Reservoir.
Where does Collbran's water come from?
Collbran's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 678 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Vega Reservoir (lake).
What Collbran residents can do
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.
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 droughtMesa County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 3.2% 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
Mesa County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1984. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Collbran'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. | 0.0 | 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 (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Collbran compares by contaminant
Explore where Collbran ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Collbran's water comes from
Collbran'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 678 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Collbran
Collbran is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Collbran
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLLBRAN TOWN OF | CO0139185 | 678 | GU |
How Collbran compares
Full Colorado rankings →Collbran's score of 88.6/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Collbran, CO
Wikipedia →Collbran is a statutory town located in Mesa County, Colorado, United States. The town's population was 369 at the 2020 Census. Collbran is a part of the Grand Junction, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Collbran's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mesa
Frequently asked questions
Is Collbran, CO tap water safe to drink?
Collbran's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #28 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Collbran's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Collbran'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 Collbran?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Collbran's water come from?
Collbran's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 678 residents.
Is Collbran's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Collbran 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 7 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 Collbran's water compare to other cities?
Collbran ranks #28 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 89% of state cities) and #3374 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Collbran's small water system affect quality?
Collbran's system serves approximately 678 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 7 violations on record.