01The verdict: is Gainesville water safe?
Gainesville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,092 residents using groundwater (wells).
3 unresolved violations on record
EPA records show open compliance items for this system. Most are administrative, but unresolved items are worth watching.
See what was cited ↓Top half in Colorado
Gainesville ranks #35 of 244 graded Colorado cities.
See the comparison ↓Check back after the next refresh
EPA data updates on a rolling basis; we fold in new samples and violations every month.
Get alerts ↓Gainesville's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,092 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.1 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program. The system has 23 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Gainesville ranks #35 out of 244 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it above average in the state. Gainesville 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. While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection. As a small community water system, Gainesville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
02What's in Gainesville's water
Every contaminant flagged in Gainesville, on one shared scale: distance to its own legal limit. The red line is the limit — anything past it is out of compliance, and the closer a bar gets, the less headroom the system has.
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. | 6.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile lead PF PFAS in Colorado
Cities ranked by compounds detected Cu Copper in Colorado
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile copper
03Gainesville's ten-year track record
Each box is one year. A green check means no EPA violations; a numbered badge counts that year's violations — red if any were health-based, amber if they were monitoring or paperwork issues. The system has 23 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
6 of the last ten years were clean. The numbered years had EPA violations — red when any were health-based, amber when they were paperwork or missed-testing issues.
▲ Up 6.1 ppb since 1993. Latest reading: 6.1 ppb (2024) — 41% of the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
04Where Gainesville's water comes from
Gainesville's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater
Underground aquifers reached by wells — naturally filtered, but can carry minerals like arsenic and nitrate.
Local treatment
Groundwater generally needs less treatment — typically disinfection and, where needed, mineral removal.
1 system
1 water system, operated under private ownership.
1,092 people
Residents served across Gainesville's service area.
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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,092 people through 1 water system.
| System name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PALMS OF ARCHER | FL2010042 | 1,092 | Groundwater |
Water bodies near Gainesville
These water bodies shape the regional watershed and can indirectly affect groundwater quality.
05How Gainesville compares
Scores for nearby Colorado cities on one line, with the average marked.
dashed line = Colorado average (45/100)
Gainesville scores 87.7/100 — above the Colorado average of 45/100. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities. Full Colorado rankings →
39.6 / 100FAurora, CO
38.1 / 100FColorado Springs, CO
33.5 / 100DFort Collins, CO
46.8 / 100FLakewood, CO
36.9 / 100FThornton, CO
38 / 100
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.→
06What to do at home
Steps matched to what testing actually found in Gainesville's water — not generic advice.
Filter drinking & cooking water
NSF-certified water filter. Lead detected at 6.1 ppb
Compare tested filters →Flush taps & check your service line
Lead leaches from pipes as water sits. Run cold water 30 seconds before drinking (especially mornings), and ask the utility whether your address still has a lead service line.
Lead risks explained →Watch for Gainesville alerts
We refresh EPA data monthly and surface new violations, advisories, and boil-water notices for your county on this page.
All water alerts →Frequently asked questions
Is Gainesville, CO tap water safe to drink?
Gainesville's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #35 out of 244 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Gainesville's water?
Lead was measured at 6.1 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Gainesville'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 Gainesville?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gainesville's water come from?
Gainesville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,092 residents.
What health violations has Gainesville's water system had?
Gainesville has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gainesville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gainesville 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 23 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 Gainesville's water compare to other cities?
Gainesville ranks #35 out of 244 cities in Colorado (better than 86% of state cities) and #3874 out of 15382 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gainesville's small water system affect quality?
Gainesville's system serves approximately 1,092 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 23 violations on record.