Is Rock Springs, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77/100
waterverge.com Rock Springs, CO — Water Quality Report
Rock Springs's drinking water received a grade of B (77 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,260 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 35 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rock Springs's water
Rock Springs ranks #96 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, Rock Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rock Springs, CO water safe to drink?
Rock Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,260 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rock Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rock Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4731). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Rock Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rock Springs's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Arapahoe County has experienced 6 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 Plum Creek, Lee Gulch, Dutch, Big Dry Creek Below C-470, South Platte River Below Union Ave,.
Where does Rock Springs's water come from?
Rock Springs's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,260 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Plum Creek (river), Lee Gulch (river), Dutch (river), Big Dry Creek Below C-470 (river), South Platte River Below Union Ave, (river).
What Rock Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rock Springs'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.
Rock Springs'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
Flood & disaster history
Arapahoe County has experienced 6 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 Rock Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Rock Springs ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rock Springs's water comes from
Rock Springs'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,260 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Rock Springs
Rock Springs is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Rock Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKYLINE VILLAGE MOBILE HOME PK | WY5601176 | 700 | SWP |
| WESTERN HILLS MHP | WY5601085 | 450 | SWP |
| W BAR K MOBILE HOME PARK | WY5601607 | 110 | SWP |
How Rock Springs compares
Full Colorado rankings →Rock Springs's score of 77/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Rock Springs, CO
Wikipedia →Littleton is a home rule municipality city located in Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States. Littleton is the county seat of Arapahoe County and is a part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city population was 45,652 at the 2020 United States census, ranking as the 20th most populous municipality in Colorado.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rock Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sweetwater
Frequently asked questions
Is Rock Springs, CO tap water safe to drink?
Rock Springs's water quality earned a grade of B (77/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #96 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Rock Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Rock 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 Rock Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rock Springs's water come from?
Rock Springs's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,260 residents.
What health violations has Rock Springs's water system had?
Rock Springs has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rock Springs's water compare to other cities?
Rock Springs ranks #96 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 61% of state cities) and #9140 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.