WaterVerge

Is Platteville, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: CO0162615
Overall Score
83.4 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#67 of 246 in Colorado Top 41% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
83.4/100
waterverge.com
B+ 83.4/100

Platteville, CO — Water Quality Report

Platteville's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,984 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 16 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Platteville's water

Platteville ranks #67 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Platteville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
83.4 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.4/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Platteville, CO water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Platteville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,984 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

4
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Platteville

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Platteville's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.4/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4145). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3365). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Platteville's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.62 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Platteville's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROther
Most recent violations:
Apr 2023 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2023 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Apr 2020 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2020 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Oct 2019 Lead and Copper Rule Open

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. Local water sources include Big Dry Creek, South Platte River.

SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4145
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-3365
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA DR-3224

Where does Platteville's water come from?

Platteville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,984 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Big Dry Creek (river), South Platte River (river).

What Platteville residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Platteville's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Platteville'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.62 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

16
Total violations
0
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Apr 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

16 Total
4 Active
0 Health-based
12 Resolved
4 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
8
Lead and Copper Rule
3
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
1
Oct 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2007 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2002 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2023 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2023
Apr 2023 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2023
Apr 2020 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2020
Apr 2020 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2020
Jul 2017 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2017
Apr 2017 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2017
Jan 2016 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2016
Oct 2015 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Oct 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Oct 2013 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Oct 2013 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Mar 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2005
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Platteville

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Platteville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
SMYRNA READY MIX CONCRETE LLC - DEL CAMINO READY MIX
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · SMYRNA READY MIX LLC
LONGMONT, CO80501
10.0 mi
ARC COLORADO INC.
Fabricated Metals · ARC GROUP WORLDWIDE INC
LONGMONT, CO80504
7.8 mi
BOULDER SCIENTIFIC CO LLC - SPECIALTY PLACE
Chemicals · BOULDER SCIENTIFIC HOLDINGS CO LLC
LONGMONT, CO80504
9.3 mi
BURNCO COLORADO LLC - FIRESTONE
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · BURNCO COLORADO LLC
LONGMONT, CO80504
8.0 mi
HOLCIM WCR INC FIRESTONE READY MIX PLANT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · HOLCIM PARTICIPATIONS (US) INC
LONGMONT, CO80504
5.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Weld 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
27.0%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Sep 2013
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Sep 2013
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4145
Sep 2013
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #3365
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Coastal Storm FEMA #3224
Aug 1997
SEVERE STORMS, HEAVY RAIN, FLASH FLOODS, FLOODING, MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #1186
Aug 1976
SEVERE STORMS & FLASH FLOODING
Flood FEMA #517
May 1973
HEAVY RAINS, SNOWMELT AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #385

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Platteville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.62 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 9.0 ppb from 1993 (10.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 1.380 mg/L from 1993 (3.000 mg/L) to 2006 (1.620 mg/L).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Platteville compares by contaminant

Explore where Platteville ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,984
Water Systems
2
Source breakdown
Purchased Surface Water
1
Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Platteville's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Platteville'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 2,984 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Platteville

Platteville is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Big Dry Creek
river
South Platte River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Platteville

System Name PWSID Population Source
PLATTEVILLE TOWN OF CO0162615 2,900 SWP
COLDWATER DAIRY TX2110004 84 GW
Regional Comparison

How Platteville compares

Full Colorado rankings →

Platteville's score of 83.4/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Platteville (this city)
83.4
Denver
39.6
Aurora
38.1
Lakewood
36.9
Colorado avg
45
City Profile

About Platteville, CO

Economic Profile
$76,406
Median Income
$336,314
Median Home Value
$1,333/mo
Median Rent
8.7%
Unemployment
Community
34.7
Median Age
361
People / sq mi
15.5%
College Educated
85.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Platteville, CO tap water safe to drink?

Platteville's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #67 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.

What contaminants are in Platteville's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.

How is Platteville'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 Platteville?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Platteville's water come from?

Platteville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,984 residents.

How does Platteville's water compare to other cities?

Platteville ranks #67 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 73% of state cities) and #6445 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.