Water Quality: Rifle, CO
4 water systems • 10,601 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Rifle is served by 4 public water systems with a combined service population of 10,601 people, and has 379 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 158 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Rifle's violation count is 178% above the national average for Colorado. Contaminants associated with violations include Chlorine, HAA5, Haloacetic Acids, TTHM.
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)
Haloacetic acids are associated with increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Linked to increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects with long-term exposure.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Total trihalomethanes are linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with naturally occurring organic matter in water
EPA limit: 0.080 mg/L (80 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Rifle
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIFLE CITY OF | CO0123676 | Surface Water | 9,489 | 53 |
| COTTONWOOD SPRINGS MHP | CO0123185 | Surface Water | 750 | 62 |
| RIFLE CORRECTIONAL CENTER | CO0123677 | Groundwater | 287 | 8 |
| SUN MEADOW ESTATES | CO0123500 | Groundwater | 75 | 256 |
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.