Is Penrose, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.6/100
waterverge.com Penrose, CO — Water Quality Report
Penrose's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,149 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 24 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Penrose's water
Penrose ranks #27 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, Penrose may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Penrose, CO water safe to drink?
Penrose's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,149 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Penrose
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Penrose's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.6/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4229). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4145). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Penrose's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Penrose's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fremont County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Arkansas River, Beaver, Beaver Creek Above Highway 115.
Where does Penrose's water come from?
Penrose's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,149 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas River (river), Beaver (river), Beaver Creek Above Highway 115 (river).
What Penrose residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Penrose'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.
Penrose'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Penrose
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Penrose, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HOLCIM (US) INC PORTLAND PLANT FLORENCE, CO81226 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
FCC FLORENCE FLORENCE, CO81226 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFremont County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Fremont County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Penrose compares by contaminant
Explore where Penrose ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Penrose's water comes from
Penrose'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 3,149 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Penrose
Penrose 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 Penrose
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PENROSE WD | CO0122700 | 3,149 | SW |
How Penrose compares
Full Colorado rankings →Penrose's score of 88.6/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Penrose, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Penrose's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fremont
Frequently asked questions
Is Penrose, CO tap water safe to drink?
Penrose's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #27 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Penrose's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Penrose'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 Penrose?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Penrose's water come from?
Penrose's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,149 residents.
What health violations has Penrose's water system had?
Penrose has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Penrose's water compare to other cities?
Penrose ranks #27 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 89% of state cities) and #3349 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.
Does Penrose's small water system affect quality?
Penrose's system serves approximately 3,149 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 24 violations on record.