Is Nucla, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Nucla, CO — Water Quality Report
Nucla's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 875 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 134 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nucla's water
Nucla ranks #206 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.
As a small community water system, Nucla may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 92 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nucla, CO water safe to drink?
Nucla's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 875 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Nucla
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nucla's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Xylenes, Total, DICHLOROMETHANE, p-Dichlorobenzene.
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 Nucla's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Nucla's water system has 134 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 92 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Montrose 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 San Miguel River.
Where does Nucla's water come from?
Nucla's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 875 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include San Miguel River (river).
What Nucla residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nucla'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.
Nucla'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
Montrose 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 Nucla'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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 1.42 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.420 mg/L (1996)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Nucla compares by contaminant
Explore where Nucla ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nucla's water comes from
Nucla'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 875 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Nucla
Nucla is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Nucla
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NUCLA TOWN OF | CO0143559 | 875 | SWP |
| MUSTANG WATER AUTHORITY | CO0143525 | — | SW |
How Nucla compares
Full Colorado rankings →Nucla's score of 45/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Nucla, CO
Wikipedia →Nucla is a statutory town in Montrose County, Colorado, United States. The population was 585 as of the 2020 census, down from 711 in 2010. Its name comes from the town founders' intent that it serve as a "nucleus" for the surrounding farms and mines, although it has since come to be associated with the growth of uranium mining in the region.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nucla's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Montrose
Frequently asked questions
Is Nucla, CO tap water safe to drink?
Nucla's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #206 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Nucla's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 134 violations are on record.
How is Nucla'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 Nucla?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nucla's water come from?
Nucla's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 875 residents.
What health violations has Nucla's water system had?
Nucla has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
How does Nucla's water compare to other cities?
Nucla ranks #206 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 16% of state cities) and #14302 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.