C57/100
Palmer Lake Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 2,686 residents · Colorado
What's In Palmer Lake's Tap Water?
27
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: September 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: September 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: August 1, 2024 – August 31, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: August 1, 2024 – August 31, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2023 – April 25, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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
PALMER LAKE TOWN OF
Population Served
2,686
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CO0121575
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmer Lake Water
Is Palmer Lake tap water safe to drink?
Palmer Lake, Colorado tap water receives a grade of C (57/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 40 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Palmer Lake's water?
Of the 27 contaminants tested in Palmer Lake's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Palmer Lake have any water quality violations?
Yes, Palmer Lake has 40 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, MON, Other. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Palmer Lake?
Palmer Lake 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. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Palmer Lake's tap water come from?
Palmer Lake's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by PALMER LAKE TOWN OF. The system serves approximately 2,686 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Palmer Lake'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. Palmer Lake'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 Palmer Lake's water compare to other cities in Colorado?
Palmer Lake's water quality score of 57/100 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 Palmer Lake's water quality?
If you have concerns about Palmer Lake'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 (PALMER LAKE TOWN 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.