Is Olathe, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79/100
waterverge.com Olathe, CO — Water Quality Report
Olathe's drinking water received a grade of B (79 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,015 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Olathe's water
Olathe ranks #83 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Olathe may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Olathe, CO water safe to drink?
Olathe's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,015 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Olathe
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Olathe's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Olathe's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Olathe's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 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 Gunnison River, Uncompahgre River, Loutsenhizer Arroyo.
Where does Olathe's water come from?
Olathe's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,015 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Gunnison River (river), Uncompahgre River (river), Loutsenhizer Arroyo (river).
What Olathe residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Olathe'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Olathe'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 Olathe'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Olathe compares by contaminant
Explore where Olathe ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Olathe's water comes from
Olathe'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 3,015 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Olathe
Olathe is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Olathe
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLATHE TOWN OF | CO0143582 | 3,015 | SWP |
How Olathe compares
Full Colorado rankings →Olathe's score of 79/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Olathe, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Olathe's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Montrose
Frequently asked questions
Is Olathe, CO tap water safe to drink?
Olathe's water quality earned a grade of B (79/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #83 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Olathe's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Olathe'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 Olathe?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Olathe's water come from?
Olathe's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,015 residents.
How does Olathe's water compare to other cities?
Olathe ranks #83 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 66% of state cities) and #8426 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Olathe's small water system affect quality?
Olathe's system serves approximately 3,015 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 5 violations on record.