Is Del Norte, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.9/100
waterverge.com Del Norte, CO — Water Quality Report
Del Norte's drinking water received a grade of B (75.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,429 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 96 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Del Norte's water
Del Norte ranks #98 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Del Norte 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, Del Norte may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Del Norte, CO water safe to drink?
Del Norte's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,429 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Del Norte
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Del Norte's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.9/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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-396). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Del Norte'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
Del Norte's water system has 96 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rio Grande County has experienced 3 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.
Where does Del Norte's water come from?
Del Norte's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,429 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Del Norte residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Del Norte'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.
Del Norte'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRio Grande 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Rio Grande County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Del Norte'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Del Norte compares by contaminant
Explore where Del Norte ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Del Norte's water comes from
Del Norte'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 1,429 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Del Norte
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEL NORTE TOWN OF | CO0153200 | 1,429 | GW |
How Del Norte compares
Full Colorado rankings →Del Norte's score of 75.9/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Del Norte, CO
Wikipedia →Del Norte is the statutory town that is the county seat of Rio Grande County, Colorado, United States. The town's name is most commonly pronounced /ˈdɛl nɔɹt/. The town population was 1,458 at the 2020 United States census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Del Norte's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rio Grande
Frequently asked questions
Is Del Norte, CO tap water safe to drink?
Del Norte's water quality earned a grade of B (75.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #98 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Del Norte's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 96 violations are on record.
How is Del Norte'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 Del Norte?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Del Norte's water come from?
Del Norte's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,429 residents.
What health violations has Del Norte's water system had?
Del Norte has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Del Norte's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Del Norte 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 96 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 Del Norte's water compare to other cities?
Del Norte ranks #98 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 60% of state cities) and #9452 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Del Norte's small water system affect quality?
Del Norte's system serves approximately 1,429 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 96 violations on record.