Is Rye, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 63 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Rye, CO — Water Quality Report
Rye's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 745 residents using surface water.
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 257 violations on record, including 69 health-based violations. 63 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rye's water
Rye ranks #197 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Rye may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 40 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rye, CO water safe to drink?
Rye's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 745 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rye
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rye's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Chlorine, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4229). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Rye's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rye's water system has 257 total violations on record, including 69 health-based violations. 63 remain unresolved. 40 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pueblo County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Rye's water come from?
Rye's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 745 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Rye residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rye'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.
Rye'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPueblo 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
Pueblo County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rye compares by contaminant
Explore where Rye ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rye's water comes from
Rye'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 745 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Rye
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RYE TOWN OF | CO0151700 | 745 | SW |
How Rye compares
Full Colorado rankings →Rye's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Rye, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rye's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pueblo
Frequently asked questions
Is Rye, CO tap water safe to drink?
Rye's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #197 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Rye's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 257 violations are on record.
How is Rye'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 Rye?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rye's water come from?
Rye's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 745 residents.
What health violations has Rye's water system had?
Rye has 69 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 63 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rye's water compare to other cities?
Rye ranks #197 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 20% of state cities) and #14078 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rye's small water system affect quality?
Rye's system serves approximately 745 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 257 violations on record.