Is Decatur, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.7/100
waterverge.com Decatur, CO — Water Quality Report
Decatur's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using purchased surface water.
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 10 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Decatur's water
Decatur ranks #75 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Decatur may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Decatur, CO water safe to drink?
Decatur's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Decatur
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Decatur's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Decatur's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Decatur's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 9 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 Decatur's water come from?
Decatur's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 500 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 Decatur residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Decatur'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.
Decatur'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
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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Decatur compares by contaminant
Explore where Decatur ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Decatur's water comes from
Decatur'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 500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Decatur
Decatur 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 Decatur
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DECATUR MHP, LLC | IL1150160 | 500 | SWP |
How Decatur compares
Full Colorado rankings →Decatur's score of 81.7/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Decatur, 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 Decatur's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Macon
Frequently asked questions
Is Decatur, CO tap water safe to drink?
Decatur's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #75 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Decatur's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Decatur'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 Decatur?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Decatur's water come from?
Decatur's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 500 residents.
How does Decatur's water compare to other cities?
Decatur ranks #75 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 70% of state cities) and #7372 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Decatur's small water system affect quality?
Decatur's system serves approximately 500 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 10 violations on record.