Is Eads, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.4/100
waterverge.com Eads, CO — Water Quality Report
Eads's drinking water received a grade of A (91.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 656 residents using groundwater.
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 85 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Eads's water
Eads ranks #14 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Eads 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, Eads may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Eads, CO water safe to drink?
Eads's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 656 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Eads
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Eads's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4731). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: o-Dichlorobenzene, Vinyl chloride, 1,1-Dichloroethylene.
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 Eads's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Eads's water system has 85 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kiowa County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Eads's water come from?
Eads's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 656 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Eads residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Eads'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.
Eads'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
D2 — severe droughtKiowa County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Kiowa County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Eads compares by contaminant
Explore where Eads ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Eads's water comes from
Eads'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 656 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Eads
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EADS TOWN OF | CO0131400 | 656 | GW |
How Eads compares
Full Colorado rankings →Eads's score of 91.4/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Eads, CO
Wikipedia →Eads is the statutory town that is the county seat and the most populous municipality of Kiowa County, Colorado, United States. The town population was 672 at the 2020 United States census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Eads's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kiowa
Frequently asked questions
Is Eads, CO tap water safe to drink?
Eads's water quality earned a grade of A (91.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #14 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Eads's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 85 violations are on record.
How is Eads'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 Eads?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Eads's water come from?
Eads's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 656 residents.
What health violations has Eads's water system had?
Eads has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Eads's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Eads 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 85 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 Eads's water compare to other cities?
Eads ranks #14 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 94% of state cities) and #1733 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Eads's small water system affect quality?
Eads's system serves approximately 656 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 85 violations on record.