Is Nathrop, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.2/100
waterverge.com Nathrop, CO — Water Quality Report
Nathrop's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 638 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.2 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 107 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nathrop's water
Nathrop ranks #73 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Nathrop 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, Nathrop may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nathrop, CO water safe to drink?
Nathrop's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 638 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Nathrop
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nathrop's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.2/100).
Contaminants: Fluoride, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nathrop's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Nathrop's water system has 107 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chaffee County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Arkansas River.
Where does Nathrop's water come from?
Nathrop's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 638 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas River (river).
What Nathrop residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nathrop'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 droughtChaffee County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 12.1% 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
Chaffee County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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. | 0.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Nathrop compares by contaminant
Explore where Nathrop ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nathrop's water comes from
Nathrop'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 private ownership and serves approximately 638 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Nathrop
Nathrop is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Nathrop
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MESA ANTERO SUBD | CO0108525 | 250 | GW |
| CHATEAU CHAPARREL CG | CO0208200 | 240 | GW |
| MT PRINCETON HOA | CO0108501 | 79 | GWP |
| UTE HEIGHTS COMMUNITY WS | CO0108925 | 69 | GW |
How Nathrop compares
Full Colorado rankings →Nathrop's score of 82.2/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nathrop's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chaffee
Frequently asked questions
Is Nathrop, CO tap water safe to drink?
Nathrop's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #73 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Nathrop's water?
Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 107 violations are on record.
How is Nathrop'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 Nathrop?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nathrop's water come from?
Nathrop's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 638 residents.
What health violations has Nathrop's water system had?
Nathrop has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Nathrop's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Nathrop 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 107 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 Nathrop's water compare to other cities?
Nathrop ranks #73 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 70% of state cities) and #7138 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.