Is Parachute, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.7/100
waterverge.com Parachute, CO — Water Quality Report
Parachute's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,745 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 40 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Parachute's water
Parachute ranks #26 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it above average 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, Parachute may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Parachute, CO water safe to drink?
Parachute's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,745 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Parachute
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Parachute's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, 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 Parachute's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Parachute's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Garfield 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 Colorado River, Parachute Creek.
Where does Parachute's water come from?
Parachute's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,745 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Colorado River (river), Parachute Creek (river).
What Parachute residents can do
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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Parachute
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Parachute, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BARGATH PARACHUTE GAS PLANT PARACHUTE, CO81635 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtGarfield County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 51.5% 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
Garfield 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. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Parachute compares by contaminant
Explore where Parachute ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Parachute's water comes from
Parachute'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 1,745 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Parachute
Parachute is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Parachute
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PARACHUTE TOWN OF | CO0123602 | 1,320 | SW |
| SADDLEBACK RV | CO0123702 | 425 | SWP |
How Parachute compares
Full Colorado rankings →Parachute's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Parachute, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Parachute's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Garfield
Frequently asked questions
Is Parachute, CO tap water safe to drink?
Parachute's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #26 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Parachute's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Parachute'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 Parachute?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Parachute's water come from?
Parachute's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,745 residents.
What health violations has Parachute's water system had?
Parachute has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Parachute's water compare to other cities?
Parachute ranks #26 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 89% of state cities) and #3306 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.