Is Palmer Lake, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Chlorate 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 Palmer Lake, CO — Water Quality Report
Palmer Lake's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,044 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 151 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 49 remain unresolved.
What to know about Palmer Lake's water
Palmer Lake ranks #204 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.11 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Palmer Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 36 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Palmer Lake, CO water safe to drink?
Palmer Lake'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 3 water systems serve approximately 3,044 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Palmer Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Palmer Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4731). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4229). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Palmer Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Palmer Lake's water system has 151 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 49 remain unresolved. 36 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
El Paso County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 West Plum Creek, Monument C Ab N.Gate Blvd, Goat Camp Creek, Monument Cr Bel Sewage Tr Plant, Lehman Run.
Where does Palmer Lake's water come from?
Palmer Lake's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,044 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include West Plum Creek (river), Monument C Ab N.Gate Blvd (river), Goat Camp Creek (river), Monument Cr Bel Sewage Tr Plant (river), Lehman Run (river).
What Palmer Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Palmer Lake'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.
Palmer Lake'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
D1 — moderate droughtEl Paso County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
El Paso County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Palmer Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Palmer Lake ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Palmer Lake's water comes from
Palmer Lake'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 3,044 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Palmer Lake
Palmer Lake is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Palmer Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PALMER LAKE TOWN OF | CO0121575 | 2,686 | SW |
| PALMER LAKE MOBILE HOME RANCH | CO0121550 | 268 | GWP |
| GRANDVIEW MHP | CO0121350 | 90 | GW |
How Palmer Lake compares
Full Colorado rankings →Palmer Lake'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 Palmer Lake, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Palmer Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across El Paso
Frequently asked questions
Is Palmer Lake, CO tap water safe to drink?
Palmer Lake's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #204 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Palmer Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 151 violations are on record.
How is Palmer Lake'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 Palmer Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Palmer Lake's water come from?
Palmer Lake's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,044 residents.
What health violations has Palmer Lake's water system had?
Palmer Lake has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 49 violations remain unresolved.
How does Palmer Lake's water compare to other cities?
Palmer Lake ranks #204 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 17% of state cities) and #14262 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.