Is Pelham, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Pelham ranks. What to do next ↓
96.8/100
Pelham, CO — Water Quality Report
Pelham's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,296 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Pelham's water
Pelham ranks #1 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Pelham purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Pelham may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pelham, CO water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Pelham's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,296 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pelham
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pelham's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.8/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pelham's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pelham's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Where does Pelham's water come from?
Pelham's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,296 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lee Gulch (river), Dutch (river), South Platte River Below Union Ave, (river), Little Dry Creek Nr Arapahoe (river), Little Dry Creek Above Englewood (river).
What Pelham 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
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pelham compares by contaminant
Explore where Pelham ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pelham's water comes from
Pelham purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Pelham's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,296 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pelham
Pelham is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pelham
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSI GREEN PARK SOUTH PROPERTY LLC | AL0001798 | 966 | GWP |
| YES SOUTHGATE, LLC | AL0001797 | 330 | GWP |
How Pelham compares
Full Colorado rankings →Pelham's score of 96.8/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Pelham, CO
Wikipedia →Denver is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Officially a consolidated city and county, it is located in the South Platte River valley on the western edge of the High Plains, and is just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains (Rockies). Denver is the 19th-most populous city in the United States and the fifth-most populous state capital, with a population of 715,522 at the 2020 census. The ten-county Denver metropolitan area, with over 3.05 million residents, is the 19th-largest metropolitan area in the country and functions as the economic and cultural center of the broader Front Range Urban Corridor.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pelham's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shelby
Frequently asked questions
Is Pelham, CO tap water safe to drink?
Pelham's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #1 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Pelham's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Pelham'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 Pelham?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pelham's water come from?
Pelham's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,296 residents.
Is Pelham's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pelham 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 4 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 Pelham's water compare to other cities?
Pelham ranks #1 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 100% of state cities) and #147 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.