Is Glendale, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 60 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Glendale, CO — Water Quality Report
Glendale's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 6,924 residents using purchased surface water.
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 213 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 60 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glendale's water
Glendale ranks #193 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
The system has seen 71 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glendale, CO water safe to drink?
Glendale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 6,924 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Glendale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glendale's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4731). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4145). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Glendale's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Glendale's water system has 213 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 60 remain unresolved. 71 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Arapahoe County has experienced 6 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 Lee Gulch, Dutch, Big Dry Creek Below C-470, South Platte River Below Union Ave,, Little Dry Creek Nr Arapahoe.
Where does Glendale's water come from?
Glendale's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 6,924 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lee Gulch (river), Dutch (river), Big Dry Creek Below C-470 (river), South Platte River Below Union Ave, (river), Little Dry Creek Nr Arapahoe (river).
What Glendale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Glendale'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.
Glendale'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 Glendale
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Glendale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 693 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SUNCOR ENERGY COMMERCE CITY REFINERY COMMERCE CITY, CO80022 | Ammonia | 630 | 6.8 mi |
NESTLE PURINA PETCARE CO DENVER, CO80216 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 61 | 5.4 mi |
BAND IT IDEX INC DENVER, CO80216 | Nickel | 2 | 5.6 mi |
US MIX DENVER, CO80223 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 3.4 mi |
OWENS CORNING ROOFING & ASPHALT LLC DENVER, CO80216 | Polycyclic aromatic compounds | 0 | 6.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Glendale
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.
- DENVER RADIUM SITE3.8 mi
- VASQUEZ BOULEVARD AND I 706.2 mi
- BRODERICK WOOD PRODUCTS7.7 mi
- CHEMICAL SALES CO8.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtArapahoe 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
Arapahoe County has experienced 6 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Glendale compares by contaminant
Explore where Glendale ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glendale's water comes from
Glendale'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 6,924 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Glendale
Glendale 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 Glendale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLENDALE CITY OF | CO0103055 | 4,400 | SWP |
| STONETOWN SPRING OAKS MOBILE HOME PARK | TX1012090 | 450 | GW |
| WOODGATE MOBILE HOME VILLAGE | TX1011796 | 423 | GW |
| STONETOWN ROYAL COACH TRAILS MHP | TX1010339 | 375 | GW |
| BENBROOK VILLAGE MHP | TX2200293 | 357 | GW |
| STONETOWN WINDFERN OAKS | TX1010566 | 240 | GW |
| AMERICASA AT CYPRESS MEADOWS | TX1013341 | 240 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN VIEW MOBILE HOME PARK | CO0143520 | 193 | SWP |
| TELGE MANOR MHP | TX1011939 | 150 | GW |
| WIDE ACRES MHP | CO0115842 | 96 | SWP |
How Glendale compares
Full Colorado rankings →Glendale's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Glendale, CO
Wikipedia →The City of Glendale is a home rule municipality located in an exclave of Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 4,613 at the 2020 United States census. Glendale is an enclave of the City and County of Denver and is the most densely populated municipality in Colorado. The city is 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 Glendale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Arapahoe
Frequently asked questions
Is Glendale, CO tap water safe to drink?
Glendale's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #193 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Glendale's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 213 violations are on record.
How is Glendale'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 Glendale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Glendale's water come from?
Glendale's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 6,924 residents.
What health violations has Glendale's water system had?
Glendale has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 60 violations remain unresolved.
How does Glendale's water compare to other cities?
Glendale ranks #193 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 22% of state cities) and #13943 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.