Is Gainesville, 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 ↓
87.7/100
waterverge.com Gainesville, CO — Water Quality Report
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.
What to know about Gainesville's water
Gainesville ranks #35 out of 246 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gainesville, CO water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Gainesville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gainesville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.7/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gainesville's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Gainesville's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Where does Gainesville's water come from?
Gainesville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,092 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lee Gulch (river), Dutch (river), South Platte River Below Union Ave, (river), Little Dry Creek Nr Arapahoe (river), Little Dry Creek Above Englewood (river).
What Gainesville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gainesville'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Gainesville'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. | 6.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gainesville compares by contaminant
Explore where Gainesville ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gainesville's water comes from
Gainesville'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,092 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gainesville
Gainesville is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gainesville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PALMS OF ARCHER | FL2010042 | 1,092 | GW |
How Gainesville compares
Full Colorado rankings →Gainesville's score of 87.7/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Gainesville, CO
Wikipedia →Denver is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Officially a consolidated city and county, it is located in the South Platte River valley on the western edge of the High Plains, and is just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains (Rockies). Denver is the 19th-most populous city in the United States and the fifth-most populous state capital, with a population of 715,522 at the 2020 census. The ten-county Denver metropolitan area, with over 3.05 million residents, is the 19th-largest metropolitan area in the country and functions as the economic and cultural center of the broader Front Range Urban Corridor.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gainesville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Alachua
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 246 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 246 cities in Colorado (better than 86% of state cities) and #3899 out of 15744 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.