A90/100
Highlands Ranch Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 103,444 residents · Colorado
What's In Highlands Ranch's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 720.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2020.
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
HIGHLANDS RANCH WSD
Population Served
103,444
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CO0118015
Frequently Asked Questions About Highlands Ranch Water
Is Highlands Ranch tap water safe to drink?
Highlands Ranch, Colorado tap water receives a grade of A (90/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Highlands Ranch's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Highlands Ranch'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 Highlands Ranch have any water quality violations?
Yes, Highlands Ranch has 4 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Highlands Ranch?
Highlands Ranch 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 Highlands Ranch's tap water come from?
Highlands Ranch's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by HIGHLANDS RANCH WSD. The system serves approximately 103,444 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Highlands Ranch'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. Highlands Ranch'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 Highlands Ranch's water compare to other cities in Colorado?
Highlands Ranch's water quality score of 90/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Highlands Ranch among the better-performing water systems in Colorado. Visit our Colorado state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Highlands Ranch's water quality?
If you have concerns about Highlands Ranch'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 (HIGHLANDS RANCH WSD) 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.