Is Watkins, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Watkins, CO — Water Quality Report
Watkins's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,702 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 159 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Watkins's water
Watkins ranks #176 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below 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.
The system has seen 72 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Watkins, CO water safe to drink?
Watkins's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,702 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Watkins
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Watkins's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4229). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Watkins's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Watkins's water system has 159 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 72 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Adams 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.
Where does Watkins's water come from?
Watkins's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,702 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Watkins residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Watkins'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.
Watkins'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 Watkins
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Watkins, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ADVANCEDPCB AURORA, CO80011 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
ELKAY WOOD PRODUCTS CO AURORA, CO80019 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
SMYRNA READY MIX CONCRETE LLC - PICADILLY READY MIX AURORA, CO80014 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
WATTENBERG GAS PLANT/ ANADARKO DJ GAS PROCESSING LLC AURORA, CO80019 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Watkins
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.
- LOWRY LANDFILL7.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtAdams 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
Adams 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Watkins compares by contaminant
Explore where Watkins ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Watkins's water comes from
Watkins'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 3,702 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Watkins
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RANGEVIEW MD | CO0103666 | 2,487 | SWP |
| ELBERT COUNTY HWY 86 WD | CO0120245 | 1,040 | GW |
| PRAIRIE VIEW POA | CO0101125 | 175 | GW |
How Watkins compares
Full Colorado rankings →Watkins's score of 49/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Watkins, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Watkins's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Arapahoe
Frequently asked questions
Is Watkins, CO tap water safe to drink?
Watkins's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #176 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Watkins's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 159 violations are on record.
How is Watkins'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 Watkins?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Watkins's water come from?
Watkins's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,702 residents.
What health violations has Watkins's water system had?
Watkins has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
How does Watkins's water compare to other cities?
Watkins ranks #176 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 28% of state cities) and #13319 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.