Water Quality: Divide, CO
7 water systems • 2,853 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Divide is served by 7 public water systems with a combined service population of 2,853 people, and has 655 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 78 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Divide's violation count is 381% above the national average for Colorado. Contaminants associated with violations include Chlorine, Contaminant 2920, Disinfection Byproducts, E. coli, Fecal Coliform.
Contaminants Found
Eye and nose irritation at high levels; long-term exposure above the MCL may cause liver and kidney damage.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant added to kill harmful microorganisms
EPA limit: 4.0 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level)
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Indicates direct fecal contamination; associated with diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and potential severe illness.
Common source: Human and animal fecal waste
EPA limit: Zero tolerance (any positive triggers violations)
Hair loss, nail brittleness, and nervous system damage at elevated concentrations.
Common source: Natural geological deposits, mining discharges, oil refinery waste
EPA limit: 0.05 mg/L (50 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Divide
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIGHLAND LAKES WD | CO0160200 | Surface Water | 875 | 70 |
| DIVIDE MPC MD NO 1 | CO0160295 | Groundwater | 679 | 78 |
| DIVIDE WATER PROVIDERS INC | CO0160195 | Groundwater | 570 | 96 |
| VALLEY MAINT CORP NO 1 | CO0160550 | Groundwater | 470 | 35 |
| RAINBOW VALLEY WD | CO0160375 | Surface Water | 130 | 53 |
| DIVIDE SOUTH | CO0160275 | Surface Water | 74 | 96 |
| VALLEY MAINT CORP NO 2 | CO0160551 | Surface Water | 55 | 227 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Colorado
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.