C43/100
Aurora Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 599,537 residents · Colorado
What's In Aurora's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2016.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
AURORA CITY OF
Population Served
533,407
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CO0103005
EAST CHERRY CREEK VALLEY WSD
Population Served
66,130
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CO0103035
Frequently Asked Questions About Aurora Water
Is Aurora tap water safe to drink?
Aurora, Colorado tap water receives a grade of C (43/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 749 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Aurora's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Aurora's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Aurora have any water quality violations?
Yes, Aurora has 749 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, MON, MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Aurora?
Aurora water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Aurora's tap water come from?
Aurora's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by AURORA CITY OF and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 599,537 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Aurora's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Aurora's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Aurora's water compare to other cities in Colorado?
Aurora's water quality score of 43/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Colorado state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Aurora's water quality?
If you have concerns about Aurora's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (AURORA CITY OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.