Is Silverton, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.4/100
waterverge.com Silverton, CO — Water Quality Report
Silverton's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,387 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Silverton's water
Silverton ranks #55 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it above average 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, Silverton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Silverton, CO water safe to drink?
Silverton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,387 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Silverton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Silverton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-396). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Silverton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Silverton's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
San Juan County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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 Animas River, Cement Creek, Mineral Creek, Animas River Below Silverton.
Where does Silverton's water come from?
Silverton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,387 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Animas River (river), Cement Creek (river), Mineral Creek (river), Animas River Below Silverton (river).
What Silverton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Silverton'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.
Silverton'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Silverton
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.
- BONITA PEAK MINING DISTRICT7.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSan Juan 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
San Juan County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Silverton compares by contaminant
Explore where Silverton ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Silverton's water comes from
Silverton'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 2,387 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Silverton
Silverton is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Silverton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SILVERTON TOWN OF | CO0156600 | 2,387 | SW |
How Silverton compares
Full Colorado rankings →Silverton's score of 85.4/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Silverton, CO
Wikipedia →Silverton is a statutory town that is the county seat of, the most populous community in, and the only incorporated municipality in San Juan County, Colorado, United States. The town is located in a remote part of the western San Juan Mountains, a range of the Rocky Mountains. The first mining claims were made in mountains above the Silverton in 1860, near the end of the Colorado Gold Rush and when the land was still controlled by the Utes. Silverton was established shortly after the Utes ceded the region in the 1873 Brunot Agreement, and the town boomed from silver mining until the Panic of 1893 led to a collapse of the silver market, and boomed again from gold mining until the recession caused by the Panic of 1907. The entire town is included as a federally designated National Historic Landmark District, the Silverton Historic District.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Silverton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Juan
Frequently asked questions
Is Silverton, CO tap water safe to drink?
Silverton's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #55 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Silverton's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Silverton'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 Silverton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Silverton's water come from?
Silverton's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,387 residents.
What health violations has Silverton's water system had?
Silverton has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Silverton's water compare to other cities?
Silverton ranks #55 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 78% of state cities) and #5347 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Silverton's small water system affect quality?
Silverton's system serves approximately 2,387 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.