Is Divide, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
44.5/100
waterverge.com Divide, CO — Water Quality Report
Divide's drinking water received a grade of F (44.5 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 2,853 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 837 violations on record, including 49 health-based violations. 97 remain unresolved.
What to know about Divide's water
Divide ranks #208 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Divide 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, Divide may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 219 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Divide, CO water safe to drink?
Divide's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 2,853 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Divide
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Divide's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4731). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Divide'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
Divide's water system has 837 total violations on record, including 49 health-based violations. 97 remain unresolved. 219 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Teller County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Divide's water come from?
Divide's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 2,853 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Divide residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Divide'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.
Divide'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
D1 — moderate droughtTeller County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Teller County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Divide'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. | 0.5 | 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. | 1.44 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Divide compares by contaminant
Explore where Divide ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Divide's water comes from
Divide'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 2,853 people through 7 water systems.
Water systems serving Divide
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIGHLAND LAKES WD | CO0160200 | 875 | GU |
| DIVIDE MPC MD NO 1 | CO0160295 | 679 | GW |
| DIVIDE WATER PROVIDERS INC | CO0160195 | 570 | GW |
| VALLEY MAINT CORP NO 1 | CO0160550 | 470 | GW |
| RAINBOW VALLEY WD | CO0160375 | 130 | SW |
| DIVIDE SOUTH | CO0160275 | 74 | GU |
| VALLEY MAINT CORP NO 2 | CO0160551 | 55 | GU |
How Divide compares
Full Colorado rankings →Divide's score of 44.5/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Divide, CO
Wikipedia →Divide is an unincorporated town, a post office, and a census-designated place (CDP) located in and governed by Teller County, Colorado, United States. The CDP is a part of the Colorado Springs, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Divide post office has the ZIP Code 80814. At the United States Census 2020, the population of the Divide CDP was 143.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Divide's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Teller
Frequently asked questions
Is Divide, CO tap water safe to drink?
Divide's water quality earned a grade of F (44.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #208 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Divide's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 837 violations are on record.
How is Divide'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 Divide?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Divide's water come from?
Divide's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 2,853 residents.
What health violations has Divide's water system had?
Divide has 49 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 97 violations remain unresolved.
Is Divide's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Divide 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 837 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 Divide's water compare to other cities?
Divide ranks #208 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 15% of state cities) and #14373 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.