Is Des Plaines, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.3/100
waterverge.com Des Plaines, CO — Water Quality Report
Des Plaines's drinking water received a grade of A (92.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 702 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Des Plaines's water
Des Plaines ranks #10 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Des Plaines may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Des Plaines, CO water safe to drink?
Des Plaines's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 702 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Des Plaines
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Des Plaines's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Des Plaines's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Des Plaines's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Where does Des Plaines's water come from?
Des Plaines's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 702 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Des Plaines 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
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 Des Plaines compares by contaminant
Explore where Des Plaines ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Des Plaines's water comes from
Des Plaines'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 702 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Des Plaines
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUCKHORN RANCH ESTATES MHP | IL0310070 | 702 | SWP |
How Des Plaines compares
Full Colorado rankings →Des Plaines's score of 92.3/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Des Plaines's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cook
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Plaines, CO tap water safe to drink?
Des Plaines's water quality earned a grade of A (92.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #10 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Des Plaines's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Des Plaines'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 Des Plaines?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Des Plaines's water come from?
Des Plaines's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 702 residents.
How does Des Plaines's water compare to other cities?
Des Plaines ranks #10 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 96% of state cities) and #1302 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Des Plaines's small water system affect quality?
Des Plaines's system serves approximately 702 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 9 violations on record.