Is Wheat Ridge, 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 Wheat Ridge, CO — Water Quality Report
Wheat Ridge's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 22 water systems serve approximately 40,521 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 347 violations on record, including 56 health-based violations. 63 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wheat Ridge's water
Wheat Ridge ranks #199 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.
The system has seen 71 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wheat Ridge, CO water safe to drink?
Wheat Ridge'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 22 water systems serve approximately 40,521 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Wheat Ridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wheat Ridge's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4731). 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 Wheat Ridge'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
Wheat Ridge's water system has 347 total violations on record, including 56 health-based violations. 63 remain unresolved. 71 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson 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. Local water sources include South Platte River Below Union Ave,, Bear Creek Above Bear Creek Lake, Turkey Creek Above Bear Creek Lake, Little Dry Creek Above Englewood, South Platte River.
Where does Wheat Ridge's water come from?
Wheat Ridge's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 22 water systems serving approximately 40,521 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include South Platte River Below Union Ave, (river), Bear Creek Above Bear Creek Lake (river), Turkey Creek Above Bear Creek Lake (river), Little Dry Creek Above Englewood (river), South Platte River (river).
What Wheat Ridge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wheat Ridge'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.
Wheat Ridge'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 Wheat Ridge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wheat Ridge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 146,693 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MOLSON COORS USA LLC - GOLDEN BREWERY GOLDEN, CO80401 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 146,000 | 6.2 mi |
SUNCOR ENERGY COMMERCE CITY REFINERY COMMERCE CITY, CO80022 | Ammonia | 630 | 8.6 mi |
NESTLE PURINA PETCARE CO DENVER, CO80216 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 61 | 7.7 mi |
BAND IT IDEX INC DENVER, CO80216 | Nickel | 2 | 9.2 mi |
ROCKY MOUNTAIN METAL CONTAINER GOLDEN, CO80401 | Lead | 0 | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Wheat Ridge
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.
- BRODERICK WOOD PRODUCTS6.0 mi
- DENVER RADIUM SITE6.6 mi
- VASQUEZ BOULEVARD AND I 707.9 mi
- ROCKY FLATS PLANT USDOE9.7 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
Jefferson 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Wheat Ridge'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. | 0.5 | 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. | 1.68 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wheat Ridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Wheat Ridge ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wheat Ridge's water comes from
Wheat Ridge'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 40,521 people through 22 water systems.
Water bodies near Wheat Ridge
Wheat Ridge is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Wheat Ridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHEAT RIDGE WATER DISTRICT | CO0130842 | 20,000 | SWP |
| VALLEY WD | CO0130800 | 10,000 | SWP |
| HILLCREST VILLAGE MHP | CO0101085 | 1,505 | SWP |
| LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN WD | CO0110026 | 1,378 | SW |
| DENVER CASCADE MHP | CO0101205 | 1,200 | SWP |
| HOLIDAY HILLS VILLAGE | CO0101352 | 1,190 | SWP |
| CIMARRON VILLAGE | CO0180175 | 1,010 | SWP |
| DEER CREEK WD | CO0120246 | 792 | GW |
| GOLDEN TERRACE VILLAGE | CO0130317 | 580 | SWP |
| MESA CORTINA WSD | CO0159080 | 466 | GW |
| ST MARYS GLACIER WSD | CO0110040 | 451 | GU |
| BLUE MOUNTAIN WD | CO0130005 | 350 | GW |
| GREEN ACRES MHP | CO0101065 | 325 | GW |
| ELDORADO MUNICIPAL SYSTEM | CO0107246 | 308 | GW |
| OLDE STAGE WD | CO0107582 | 250 | GW |
| BARR LAKE RVP | CO0201006 | 204 | GW |
| 4 WAY RANCH MD 2 | CO0121111 | 150 | GW |
| SIERRA VISTA HOA | CO0118065 | 120 | GW |
| BUFFALO RIDGE ESTATES | CO0162159 | 90 | GW |
| TABLE MESA VILLAGE MHP | CO0107733 | 75 | GU |
| GRACE MAR WUA | CO0107321 | 50 | GW |
| ARAPAHOE MHP | CO0110001 | 27 | GW |
How Wheat Ridge compares
Full Colorado rankings →Wheat Ridge'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 →About Wheat Ridge, CO
Wikipedia →The City of Wheat Ridge is a home rule municipality in Jefferson County, Colorado, United States. Wheat Ridge is located immediately west of Denver and is a part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Wheat Ridge Municipal Center is approximately 5 miles (8 km) west-northwest of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. The city had a population of 32,398 as of the 2020 Census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wheat Ridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Wheat Ridge, CO tap water safe to drink?
Wheat Ridge's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #199 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Wheat Ridge's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 347 violations are on record.
How is Wheat Ridge'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 Wheat Ridge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wheat Ridge's water come from?
Wheat Ridge's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 22 water systems serving approximately 40,521 residents.
What health violations has Wheat Ridge's water system had?
Wheat Ridge has 56 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. 63 violations remain unresolved.
How does Wheat Ridge's water compare to other cities?
Wheat Ridge ranks #199 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 19% of state cities) and #14201 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.