Is Hotchkiss, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
31/100
waterverge.com Hotchkiss, CO — Water Quality Report
Hotchkiss's drinking water received a grade of F (31 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 3,765 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 957 violations on record, including 145 health-based violations. 62 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hotchkiss's water
Hotchkiss ranks #245 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
The system has seen 291 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hotchkiss, CO water safe to drink?
Hotchkiss's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (31/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 3,765 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hotchkiss
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hotchkiss's water quality assessment. Grade: F (31/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-719). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hotchkiss's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Hotchkiss's water system has 957 total violations on record, including 145 health-based violations. 62 remain unresolved. 291 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Delta County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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 Crawford Reservoir, Smith Fork, North Fork Gunnison River Below Paonia, Leroux Creek Above Mouth, North Fk Gunnison River Above Mouth Nr Lazear.
Where does Hotchkiss's water come from?
Hotchkiss's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 3,765 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Crawford Reservoir (lake), Smith Fork (river), North Fork Gunnison River Below Paonia (river), Leroux Creek Above Mouth (river), North Fk Gunnison River Above Mouth Nr Lazear (river).
What Hotchkiss residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hotchkiss'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.
Hotchkiss'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMontrose 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
Delta County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hotchkiss'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. | 17.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.87 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hotchkiss compares by contaminant
Explore where Hotchkiss ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hotchkiss's water comes from
Hotchkiss'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 3,765 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Hotchkiss
Hotchkiss 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 Hotchkiss
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOTCHKISS TOWN OF | CO0115352 | 2,050 | SW |
| ROGERS MESA WC | CO0115685 | 840 | SWP |
| FRUITLAND DOMESTIC WC | CO0115288 | 335 | SW |
| HANSON MESA DOMESTIC PIPELINE CO INC | CO0115333 | 250 | SWP |
| LAZEAR DOMESTIC WC | CO0115467 | 178 | GW |
| SUNSHINE MESA DOMESTIC WC | CO0115725 | 76 | GW |
| STUCKER MESA DOMESTIC WC | CO0115726 | 36 | GU |
How Hotchkiss compares
Full Colorado rankings →Hotchkiss's score of 31/100 is below the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Hotchkiss, CO
Wikipedia →Hotchkiss is a statutory town in Delta County, Colorado, United States. The population was 875 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hotchkiss's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Delta
Frequently asked questions
Is Hotchkiss, CO tap water safe to drink?
Hotchkiss's water quality earned a grade of F (31/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #245 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Hotchkiss's water?
Lead was measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile). 957 violations are on record.
How is Hotchkiss'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 Hotchkiss?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hotchkiss's water come from?
Hotchkiss's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 3,765 residents.
What health violations has Hotchkiss's water system had?
Hotchkiss has 145 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 62 violations remain unresolved.
How does Hotchkiss's water compare to other cities?
Hotchkiss ranks #245 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 0% of state cities) and #15661 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.