Is Meeker, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.5/100
waterverge.com Meeker, CO — Water Quality Report
Meeker's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,551 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 6 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Meeker's water
Meeker ranks #124 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Meeker 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, Meeker may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Meeker, CO water safe to drink?
Meeker's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,551 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Meeker
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Meeker's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
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-719). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Meeker's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Meeker's water system has 110 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rio Blanco County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 White River Above Coal Creek, White River, White R Ab Miller Cr Nr Buford, White River Above Curtis Creek Nr Meeker.
Where does Meeker's water come from?
Meeker's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,551 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include White River Above Coal Creek (river), White River (river), White R Ab Miller Cr Nr Buford (river), White River Above Curtis Creek Nr Meeker (river).
What Meeker residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Meeker'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
D4 — exceptional droughtRio Blanco County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 37.8% 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
Rio Blanco County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Meeker compares by contaminant
Explore where Meeker ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Meeker's water comes from
Meeker'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 2,551 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Meeker
Meeker is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Meeker
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEEKER TOWN OF | CO0152505 | 2,473 | GW |
| CROSS L ESTATES | CO0152188 | 50 | GW |
| BUCKSKIN VALLEY SUBDIVISION | CO0252160 | 28 | GW |
How Meeker compares
Full Colorado rankings →Meeker's score of 69.5/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Meeker, CO
Wikipedia →Meeker is a statutory town in and the county seat of Rio Blanco County, Colorado, United States, that is the most populous municipality in the county. The town population was 2,374 at the 2020 United States census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Meeker's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rio Blanco
Frequently asked questions
Is Meeker, CO tap water safe to drink?
Meeker's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #124 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Meeker's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 110 violations are on record.
How is Meeker'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 Meeker?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Meeker's water come from?
Meeker's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,551 residents.
What health violations has Meeker's water system had?
Meeker has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Meeker's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Meeker 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 Meeker's water compare to other cities?
Meeker ranks #124 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 50% of state cities) and #10912 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.