Is Elizabeth, 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 ↓
77.3/100
waterverge.com Elizabeth, CO — Water Quality Report
Elizabeth's drinking water received a grade of B (77.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,202 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 128 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elizabeth's water
Elizabeth ranks #94 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Elizabeth 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.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elizabeth, CO water safe to drink?
Elizabeth's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,202 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elizabeth
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elizabeth's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4731). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4229). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elizabeth'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
Elizabeth's water system has 128 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Elbert County has experienced 5 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 Elizabeth's water come from?
Elizabeth's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 5,202 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Elizabeth residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elizabeth'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.
Elizabeth'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Elizabeth
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Elizabeth, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HOLCIM WCR INC FRANKTOWN READY MIX PLANT FRANKTOWN, CO80116 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
INLINER SOLUTIONS LLC KIOWA, CO80117 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
BURNCO COLORADO LLC - KIOWA KIOWA, CO80117 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtElbert 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
Elbert County has experienced 5 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 Elizabeth'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elizabeth compares by contaminant
Explore where Elizabeth ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elizabeth's water comes from
Elizabeth'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 5,202 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Elizabeth
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELIZABETH TOWN OF | CO0120010 | 4,523 | GW |
| GAMBEL OAKS HOA | CO0120300 | 350 | GW |
| BRITANIE RIDGE WS | CO0120153 | 245 | GW |
| COYOTE HILLS WS | CO0120184 | 84 | GW |
How Elizabeth compares
Full Colorado rankings →Elizabeth's score of 77.3/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Elizabeth, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elizabeth's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Elbert
Frequently asked questions
Is Elizabeth, CO tap water safe to drink?
Elizabeth's water quality earned a grade of B (77.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #94 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Elizabeth's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 128 violations are on record.
How is Elizabeth'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 Elizabeth?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elizabeth's water come from?
Elizabeth's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 5,202 residents.
What health violations has Elizabeth's water system had?
Elizabeth has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
Is Elizabeth's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elizabeth 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 128 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 Elizabeth's water compare to other cities?
Elizabeth ranks #94 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 62% of state cities) and #9029 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.