Is Sedalia, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.4/100
waterverge.com Sedalia, CO — Water Quality Report
Sedalia's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 525 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 183 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sedalia's water
Sedalia ranks #129 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sedalia 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, Sedalia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sedalia, CO water safe to drink?
Sedalia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 525 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sedalia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sedalia's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.4/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4731). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Sedalia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sedalia's water system has 183 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Douglas County has experienced 4 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 West Plum Creek, East Plum, Plum Creek, Big Dry Creek Below C-470.
Where does Sedalia's water come from?
Sedalia's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 525 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include West Plum Creek (river), East Plum (river), Plum Creek (river), Big Dry Creek Below C-470 (river).
What Sedalia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sedalia'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Sedalia'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 Sedalia
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sedalia, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SMYRNA READY MIX CONCRETE LLC - CASTLE ROCK READY MIX CASTLE ROCK, CO80104 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
HOLCIM WCR INC CASTLE ROCK READY MIX PLANT CASTLE ROCK, CO80109 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
UNICIRCUIT INC LITTLETON, CO80120 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
BEST BLOCK - DENB LITTLETON, CO80125 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
OLDCASTLE PRECAST INC LITTLETON, CO80125 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sedalia
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.
- AIR FORCE PLANT PJKS9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtDouglas 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
Douglas County has experienced 4 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sedalia compares by contaminant
Explore where Sedalia ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sedalia's water comes from
Sedalia'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 525 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Sedalia
Sedalia is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sedalia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| THUNDERBIRD WSD | CO0118078 | 490 | GW |
| VIEW RIDGE MUTUAL WC | CO0118080 | 35 | GW |
How Sedalia compares
Full Colorado rankings →Sedalia's score of 68.4/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Sedalia, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sedalia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Sedalia, CO tap water safe to drink?
Sedalia's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #129 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Sedalia's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 183 violations are on record.
How is Sedalia'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 Sedalia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sedalia's water come from?
Sedalia's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 525 residents.
What health violations has Sedalia's water system had?
Sedalia has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sedalia's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sedalia 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 183 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 Sedalia's water compare to other cities?
Sedalia ranks #129 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 48% of state cities) and #11086 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.