Is Pierce, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.2/100
waterverge.com Pierce, CO — Water Quality Report
Pierce's drinking water received a grade of A (90.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,094 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 65 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Pierce's water
Pierce ranks #20 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Pierce may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pierce, CO water safe to drink?
Pierce's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,094 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pierce
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pierce's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.2/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4145). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3365). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pierce's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pierce's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Weld County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Pierce's water come from?
Pierce's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,094 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Pierce 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.
Pierce'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 Pierce
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pierce, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PIERCE GAS PLANT PIERCE, CO80650 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWeld 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
Weld County has experienced 7 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pierce compares by contaminant
Explore where Pierce ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pierce's water comes from
Pierce'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 1,094 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Pierce
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIERCE TOWN OF | CO0162610 | 1,094 | SWP |
How Pierce compares
Full Colorado rankings →Pierce's score of 90.2/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Pierce, CO
Wikipedia →Pierce is a Statutory Town in Weld County, Colorado, United States. The population was 1,097 at the 2020 census. The town is a rural agricultural community located on the Colorado Eastern Plains along U.S. Highway 85 north of Greeley.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pierce's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Weld
Frequently asked questions
Is Pierce, CO tap water safe to drink?
Pierce's water quality earned a grade of A (90.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #20 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Pierce's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.
How is Pierce'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 Pierce?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pierce's water come from?
Pierce's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,094 residents.
What health violations has Pierce's water system had?
Pierce has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Pierce's water compare to other cities?
Pierce ranks #20 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 92% of state cities) and #2374 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pierce's small water system affect quality?
Pierce's system serves approximately 1,094 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 65 violations on record.