Is Manzanola, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 57 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Manzanola, CO — Water Quality Report
Manzanola's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 967 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 602 violations on record, including 340 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved.
What to know about Manzanola's water
Manzanola ranks #167 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Manzanola 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.
As a small community water system, Manzanola may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 226 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Manzanola, CO water safe to drink?
Manzanola's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 967 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Manzanola
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Manzanola's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
5 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Combined Uranium.
6 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Combined Uranium.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1186). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Manzanola's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Manzanola's water system has 602 total violations on record, including 340 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved. 226 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Otero County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Apishapa River, Arkansas River.
Where does Manzanola's water come from?
Manzanola's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 967 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Apishapa River (river), Arkansas River (river).
What Manzanola residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Manzanola'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.
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 droughtOtero 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
Otero County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1997. 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 Manzanola compares by contaminant
Explore where Manzanola ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Manzanola's water comes from
Manzanola'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 967 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Manzanola
Manzanola is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Manzanola
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANZANOLA TOWN OF | CO0145450 | 497 | GW |
| VALLEY WC | CO0145750 | 270 | GW |
| VROMAN WC | CO0145780 | 125 | GW |
| FAYETTE WC | CO0145180 | 75 | GW |
How Manzanola compares
Full Colorado rankings →Manzanola's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Manzanola, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Manzanola's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Otero
Frequently asked questions
Is Manzanola, CO tap water safe to drink?
Manzanola's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #167 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Manzanola's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 602 violations are on record.
How is Manzanola'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 Manzanola?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Manzanola's water come from?
Manzanola's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 967 residents.
What health violations has Manzanola's water system had?
Manzanola has 340 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 57 violations remain unresolved.
Is Manzanola's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Manzanola 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 602 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 Manzanola's water compare to other cities?
Manzanola ranks #167 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 32% of state cities) and #13166 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.