Is Empire, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.1/100
waterverge.com Empire, CO — Water Quality Report
Empire's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 52 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Empire's water
Empire ranks #130 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below average 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.10 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Empire may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Empire, CO water safe to drink?
Empire's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Empire
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Empire's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4145). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3365). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Empire's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Empire's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clear Creek County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include S Clear, Leavenworth Creek, Clear Creek, West Fork Clear Creek, Fraser River.
Where does Empire's water come from?
Empire's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 500 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include S Clear (river), Leavenworth Creek (river), Clear Creek (river), West Fork Clear Creek (river), Fraser River (river).
What Empire residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Empire'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.
Empire'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 Empire
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Empire, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 32,000 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLIMAX MOLYBDENUM CO-HENDERSON MINE EMPIRE, CO80438 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 32,000 | 0.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Empire
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- CENTRAL CITY CLEAR CREEK8.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtClear Creek County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 34.5% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Clear Creek County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Empire compares by contaminant
Explore where Empire ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Empire's water comes from
Empire'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Empire
Empire is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Empire
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMPIRE TOWN OF | CO0110010 | 500 | SW |
How Empire compares
Full Colorado rankings →Empire's score of 68.1/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Empire, CO
Wikipedia →The historic Town of Empire is a statutory town located in Clear Creek County, Colorado, United States. The town population was 345 at the 2020 United States census, a +22.34% increase since the 2010 United States census. The town is a former gold mining camp settled during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush that later flourished during the Colorado Silver Boom in the late 19th century. Empire is now a part of the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Front Range Urban Corridor.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Empire's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clear Creek
Frequently asked questions
Is Empire, CO tap water safe to drink?
Empire's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #130 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Empire's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.
How is Empire'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 Empire?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Empire's water come from?
Empire's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 500 residents.
What health violations has Empire's water system had?
Empire has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does Empire's water compare to other cities?
Empire ranks #130 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 47% of state cities) and #11134 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Empire's small water system affect quality?
Empire's system serves approximately 500 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 52 violations on record.