WaterVerge

Is Conifer, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: CO0130100
Overall Score
83.5 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Ground water under influence
#66 of 246 in Colorado Top 41% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
83.5/100
waterverge.com
B+ 83.5/100

Conifer, CO — Water Quality Report

Conifer's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,941 residents using ground water under influence.

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 66 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Conifer's water

Conifer ranks #66 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Conifer 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, Conifer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
83.5 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
35/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
3.5/5
C
Water source: Ground water under influence.
Water Safety

Is Conifer, CO water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Conifer's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,941 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
4.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Conifer

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Conifer's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4731). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4145). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Conifer's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 4.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Conifer's water system has 66 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2024 Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Oct 2024 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
May 2024 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Dec 2020 Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Jefferson County has experienced 6 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. Local water sources include Bear Creek Above Evergreen, Bear Creek Above Bear Creek Lake, Turkey Creek Above Bear Creek Lake.

SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA DR-4731
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4145
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3365

Where does Conifer's water come from?

Conifer's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,941 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bear Creek Above Evergreen (river), Bear Creek Above Bear Creek Lake (river), Turkey Creek Above Bear Creek Lake (river).

What Conifer residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Conifer'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
4.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 27% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

66
Total violations
12
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

66 Total
2 Active
12 Health-based
64 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
42
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
16
Surface Water Treatment Rule
2
Interim and Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2024 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2024
Oct 2024 Resolved
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2024
May 2024 Resolved
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved May 2024
Dec 2020 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2020
May 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2013
Apr 2013 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2013
Jan 2011 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2011
Oct 2010 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2010 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2009 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2009
Jan 2009 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2009
Jan 2009 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2009
Jan 2009 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2009
Jan 2009 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2009
Jan 2009 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2009
Jan 2009 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2009
Jan 2008 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2008
Showing 20 of 66 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Jefferson County is currently in D3 (extreme 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
18.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Aug 2023
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Jefferson County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Aug 2023
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA #4731
Sep 2013
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4145
Sep 2013
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3365
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3224
May 1973
HEAVY RAINS, SNOWMELT AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #385
May 1969
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #261

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 4.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 22.0 ppb from 1993 (26.0 ppb) to 2025 (4.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Ground Water Under Influence
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,941
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Conifer's water comes from

Ground Water Under Influence

Conifer'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 1,941 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Conifer

Conifer is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Bear Creek Above Evergreen
river
Bear Creek Above Bear Creek Lake
river
Turkey Creek Above Bear Creek Lake
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Conifer

System Name PWSID Population Source
MOUNTAIN WSD CO0130100 1,941 GU
Regional Comparison

How Conifer compares

Full Colorado rankings →

Conifer's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Conifer (this city)
83.5
Denver
39.6
Aurora
38.1
Lakewood
36.9
Colorado avg
45
City Profile

About Conifer, CO

Wikipedia →

Conifer is an unincorporated community in Jefferson County, Colorado, United States. Conifer is located along U.S. Route 285 in the foothills west of Denver.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Conifer, CO tap water safe to drink?

Conifer's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #66 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.

What contaminants are in Conifer's water?

Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 66 violations are on record.

How is Conifer'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 Conifer?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Conifer's water come from?

Conifer's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,941 residents.

What health violations has Conifer's water system had?

Conifer has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Conifer's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Conifer 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 66 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 Conifer's water compare to other cities?

Conifer ranks #66 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 73% of state cities) and #6401 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Conifer's small water system affect quality?

Conifer's system serves approximately 1,941 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 66 violations on record.