Lead Service Line Compliance in Colorado Water Systems
What Colorado utilities reported in October 2024
Colorado's 2,241 water systems serve nearly 7.5 million people. In their October 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) inventory submissions to the EPA, Colorado utilities reported zero known lead service lines across the entire state.
The state also reported zero service lines classified as unknown — meaning utilities indicated they had either completed their inventories with definitive information, or had no reason to believe unknown lines existed in their service areas.
This stands out: most states have substantial numbers of unknown lines, which reflects incomplete historical records or ongoing inventory work. Colorado's reporting suggests either comprehensive documentation, very limited historical use of lead service lines, or a combination of both.
What this means for residents
A "zero unknown" inventory doesn't automatically mean your home is lead-free. It means your local utility has classified every service line in its records as either lead or non-lead based on available evidence—installation records, previous testing, material documentation, or field inspection.
If you live in a Colorado home built before 1986, or you're unsure about your service line material, the EPA and CDC recommend:
- Contact your water utility and ask directly about your service line.
- Request a free or low-cost test if your utility offers one.
- Use a lead filter on your tap water while awaiting results or confirmation, if you're concerned.
Enforcement and oversight
Colorado's Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) — the state primacy agency for drinking water — oversees compliance with federal LCRR rules. Utilities that fail to submit inventories or meet compliance deadlines can face enforcement actions, though specific current cases are not listed here. For the latest enforcement actions or compliance updates, contact DRMS directly or check the Colorado Department of Natural Resources website.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility with your address and ask: Is my service line lead, non-lead, or unknown?
- Request documentation if they say it's non-lead—ask what evidence they used (records, inspection, etc.).
- Get your water tested for lead if your utility can't confirm the service line material. Many utilities offer this free or cheap.
- Use a NSF-certified lead filter on your kitchen tap while waiting for answers, especially if anyone in your home is pregnant, nursing, or under 6 years old.