Boulder
Is Boulder tap water safe to drink?
Generally acceptable, but review local hotspots — score 72/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 3 local systems in Boulder. We found 215 total violations (11 unresolved).
Real-Time Environment
Live: 03:15 PM☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Boulder.
Water Quality Impact
🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs
Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Boulder?
Expert Advice
Given the safety margin, a Carbon Block or sediment filter is recommended to improve taste and remove trace particulates.
Buying a Filter?
Filter or no filter for Boulder water? Here's what the data says.
Baby Formula Safety
What new parents in Boulder should know about tap water safety.
Homebuyer's Perspective
Water quality is easy to overlook when evaluating a move to Boulder, but it can affect plumbing longevity and appliance lifespan. With a score of 72/100, we recommend budgeting for high-quality point-of-entry filtration systems to protect your home's value.
Health & Family Safety
Residents should monitor Lead (90th percentile) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.
View Health Risk Glossary →Compliance Record for Boulder
Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Boulder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder tap water safe to drink?
Generally acceptable, but review local hotspots — score 72/100.
How many water systems serve Boulder?
Boulder is served by 3 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.
How can I check water quality for my exact address in Boulder?
Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Boulder.
What is the water quality score for Boulder?
The water quality score for Boulder is 72 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results across the 3 systems serving the city.
What are the top contaminants in Boulder?
The top contaminants detected in Boulder include Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.
Boulder Water Quality Summary
Boulder, CO receives a water quality score of 72/100 (Grade C) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 3 public water systems serving the area.
Boulder's water quality is near the national average. While most systems meet EPA standards, some violations have been recorded. Residents may wish to review their specific water system's report for contaminant details.
Boulder's score of 72 is 10 points below the Colorado state average of 82, and below the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.
Living in this mid-size Colorado city means relying on Boulder's water systems, which process high-elevation source water from the Mountain West to deliver an above-average quality of drinking water. Prospective homebuyers should note, however, that the regional water supply is shaped by a historic hardrock mining legacy. While the city maintains a solid, commendable standing overall, these regional environmental factors require constant oversight to protect the tap water flowing to local households.
Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our Colorado water quality rankings report →
Key Contaminants
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Water Systems Serving Boulder (3)
Check Your Specific Address
Water quality can vary by neighborhood in Boulder.
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