Is Debeque, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.4/100
waterverge.com Debeque, CO — Water Quality Report
Debeque's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 911 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 102 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Debeque's water
Debeque ranks #125 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Debeque may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Debeque, CO water safe to drink?
Debeque's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 911 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Debeque
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Debeque's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Debeque's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Debeque's water system has 102 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Debeque's water come from?
Debeque's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 911 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Debeque residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Debeque'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.
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.
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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Debeque compares by contaminant
Explore where Debeque ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Debeque's water comes from
Debeque'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 911 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Debeque
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEBEQUE TOWN OF | CO0139205 | 911 | SW |
How Debeque compares
Full Colorado rankings →Debeque's score of 69.4/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Debeque, CO
Wikipedia →De Beque is a statutory town located in Mesa County, Colorado, United States. The population was 493 at the 2020 census. De Beque is a part of the Grand Junction, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town consists of a small grid, including a historic downtown featuring a town hall, a tavern, and several commercial businesses in historic structures. The surrounding streets include houses, several churches, and a school.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Debeque's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mesa
Frequently asked questions
Is Debeque, CO tap water safe to drink?
Debeque's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #125 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Debeque's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 102 violations are on record.
How is Debeque'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 Debeque?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Debeque's water come from?
Debeque's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 911 residents.
What health violations has Debeque's water system had?
Debeque has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Debeque's water compare to other cities?
Debeque ranks #125 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 49% of state cities) and #10925 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Debeque's small water system affect quality?
Debeque's system serves approximately 911 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 102 violations on record.