Is Poncha Springs, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Poncha Springs, CO — Water Quality Report
Poncha Springs's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,467 residents using groundwater.
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 11 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Poncha Springs's water
Poncha Springs ranks #46 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Poncha Springs relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Poncha Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Poncha Springs, CO water safe to drink?
Poncha Springs's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,467 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Poncha Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Poncha Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Fluoride.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Poncha Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Poncha Springs's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chaffee County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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.
Where does Poncha Springs's water come from?
Poncha Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,467 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas River (river).
What Poncha Springs 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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Poncha Springs
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- SMELTERTOWN SITE3.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtChaffee County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 12.1% 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
Chaffee County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Poncha Springs's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.49 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Poncha Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Poncha Springs ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Poncha Springs's water comes from
Poncha Springs's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,467 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Poncha Springs
Poncha Springs is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Poncha Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PONCHA SPRINGS TOWN OF | CO0108650 | 1,467 | GW |
How Poncha Springs compares
Full Colorado rankings →Poncha Springs's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Poncha Springs, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Poncha Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chaffee
Frequently asked questions
Is Poncha Springs, CO tap water safe to drink?
Poncha Springs's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #46 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Poncha Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Poncha Springs'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 Poncha Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Poncha Springs's water come from?
Poncha Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,467 residents.
What health violations has Poncha Springs's water system had?
Poncha Springs has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Poncha Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Poncha Springs 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 11 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 Poncha Springs's water compare to other cities?
Poncha Springs ranks #46 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 81% of state cities) and #4531 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Poncha Springs's small water system affect quality?
Poncha Springs's system serves approximately 1,467 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 11 violations on record.