Is Georgetown, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.7/100
waterverge.com Georgetown, CO — Water Quality Report
Georgetown'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 5,315 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 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 38 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Georgetown's water
Georgetown ranks #34 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it above 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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Georgetown, CO water safe to drink?
Georgetown's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 5,315 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Georgetown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Georgetown's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.7/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, 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.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Georgetown'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
Georgetown's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 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 Georgetown's water come from?
Georgetown's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 5,315 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 Georgetown residents can do
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.
Georgetown'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 Georgetown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Georgetown, 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 | 3.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Georgetown'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Georgetown compares by contaminant
Explore where Georgetown ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Georgetown's water comes from
Georgetown'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 5,315 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Georgetown
Georgetown 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 Georgetown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEORGETOWN TOWN OF | CO0110015 | 5,315 | SW |
How Georgetown compares
Full Colorado rankings →Georgetown'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 Georgetown, CO
Wikipedia →Georgetown is the territorial charter municipality that is the county seat of Clear Creek County, Colorado, United States. The town population was 1,118 at the 2020 United States census. Georgetown has a 2026 population of 1324, and is growing at a rate of 2.64% annually. The former silver mining camp along Clear Creek in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains was established in 1859 during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. The federally designated Georgetown-Silver Plume Historic District comprises Georgetown, the neighboring town of Silver Plume, and the Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park between the two towns. The Georgetown Post Office has the ZIP code 80444.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Georgetown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clear Creek
Frequently asked questions
Is Georgetown, CO tap water safe to drink?
Georgetown'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 #34 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Georgetown's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Georgetown'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 Georgetown?
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 Georgetown's water come from?
Georgetown's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 5,315 residents.
What health violations has Georgetown's water system had?
Georgetown has 2 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Georgetown's water compare to other cities?
Georgetown ranks #34 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 86% of state cities) and #3874 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.