Is Keenesburg, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Keenesburg, CO — Water Quality Report
Keenesburg's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,936 residents using groundwater.
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 110 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Keenesburg's water
Keenesburg ranks #45 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Keenesburg 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Keenesburg, CO water safe to drink?
Keenesburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,936 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Keenesburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Keenesburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Carbofuran, OXAMYL.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Keenesburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Keenesburg's water system has 110 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Weld County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Keenesburg's water come from?
Keenesburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,936 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Keenesburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Keenesburg'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.
Keenesburg'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 Keenesburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Keenesburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FORT LUPTON GAS PROCESSING PLANT FORT LUPTON, CO80621 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
LANCASTER GAS PROCESSING PLANT FORT LUPTON, CO80621 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
PLATTE VALLEY GAS PROCESSING PLANT FORT LUPTON, CO80621 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MIDSTREAM - FORT LUPTON GAS PLANT FORT LUPTON, CO80621 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
CHEMICAL & METAL INDUSTRIES INC HUDSON, CO80642 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtAdams 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
Weld County has experienced 7 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 Keenesburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Keenesburg ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Keenesburg's water comes from
Keenesburg'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 4,936 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Keenesburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEENESBURG TOWN OF | CO0162438 | 4,650 | GW |
| CAVANAUGH HILLS WS | CO0101166 | 286 | GW |
How Keenesburg compares
Full Colorado rankings →Keenesburg's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Keenesburg, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Keenesburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Weld
Frequently asked questions
Is Keenesburg, CO tap water safe to drink?
Keenesburg's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #45 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Keenesburg's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 110 violations are on record.
How is Keenesburg'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 Keenesburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Keenesburg's water come from?
Keenesburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,936 residents.
What health violations has Keenesburg's water system had?
Keenesburg has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Keenesburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Keenesburg 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 110 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 Keenesburg's water compare to other cities?
Keenesburg ranks #45 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 82% of state cities) and #4507 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.