This Colorado Town Has the Worst Drinking Water In The Entire State

The Importance of Clean Drinking Water in Colorado

There is one thing that every single human being on the planet needs: clean drinking water.

Colorado is a state known for its commitment to the environment, but no matter how much effort you put into cleaning things up there will always be instances of people dealing with unsafe water.

Common Drinking Water Contaminants Found in Colorado

The most common contaminants in Colorado drinking water are: lead, nitrates, radon, e. coli bacteria, and chlorine, according to Clean Water Co. 

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Health Risks Linked to Contaminated Water

Exposure to these contaminants can cause some severe health issues.

How Lead and Other Chemicals Impact Children and Adults

Children who consume water that has been exposed to lead can cause developmental delays and learning difficulties. Adults can experience kidney problems, high blood pressure, and if consumed when pregnant can affect fetal development.

Colorado Towns With the Worst Drinking Water

Based off of date from the Environmental Working Group, we've figured out the town and region in Colorado that has the worst drinking water.

This is based off of EWG's violation scores. Violation points are given based off of problems at the water utility and partly due to violations of the "health-based drinking water standard."

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La Junta Has the Most Drinking Water Violations in Colorado

The town in Colorado with the most violation points is La Junta which is served by the Holbrook Center Soft Water Association. La Junta is in Otero County and is located right along the Arkansas River.

How Many Water Safety Violations Does La Junta Have?

This town has a total of 105 violation points.

What the Tests Reveal: Nitrate Levels in Colorado’s Water

Based off of water testing, nitrate was found at 3.7 times above health guidelines.

Nitrate is a fertilizer chemical, according to reports. It is commonly found in drinking water due to agricultural and urban runoff.

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What To Do If You Suspect Unsafe Drinking Water in Colorado

If you are experiencing a drinking water emergency, or are just concerned about the quality of your water, you are encouraged to contact your water system.

If you have more concerns or are dealing with water compliance issues, make sure you reach out to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

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