Is Towoac, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Towoac, CO — Water Quality Report
Towoac's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,320 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 436 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Towoac's water
Towoac ranks #205 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, Towoac may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 75 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Towoac, CO water safe to drink?
Towoac's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,320 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Towoac
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Towoac's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Towoac'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
Towoac's water system has 436 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 75 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Towoac's water come from?
Towoac's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,320 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Towoac residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Towoac'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Towoac'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. | 1.2 | 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. | 2.11 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.110 mg/L (2016)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Towoac compares by contaminant
Explore where Towoac ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Towoac's water comes from
Towoac'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 2,320 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Towoac
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWAOC WATER SYSTEM | 080890010 | 2,020 | SWP |
| WHITE MESA WATER SYSTEM | 084990004 | 300 | GW |
How Towoac compares
Full Colorado rankings →Towoac's score of 45/100 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 →ZIP codes served by Towoac
The water systems serving Towoac cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Towoac's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Towoac, CO tap water safe to drink?
Towoac's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #205 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Towoac's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 436 violations are on record.
How is Towoac'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 Towoac?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Towoac's water come from?
Towoac's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,320 residents.
What health violations has Towoac's water system had?
Towoac has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
How does Towoac's water compare to other cities?
Towoac ranks #205 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 17% of state cities) and #14277 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.