Can I drink the tap water?
How good is the tap water in Boulder, United States ?
All in all, 56% of folks here drink from the tap.
How good is the tap water in all of United States?
All in all, 31% of folks here drink from the tap.
Can you drink the tap water in Boulder then?
What residents and travelers say
In Boulder, opinions about tap water taste and quality vary somewhat by neighborhood, often influenced by building age and plumbing systems. Many residents report that the tap water generally has a crisp, mineral-rich taste, characteristic of the local mountain water sources, though in some older buildings, water may carry a faint metallic or chlorinated flavor, leading some to prefer filtered options. Visitors commonly find the tap water palatable and refreshing, with few noting any off-putting odors or flavors. Some locals routinely use water filters, especially activated carbon pitchers or faucet attachments, to mitigate chlorine or trace mineral tastes. About half of residents drink straight from the tap regularly, while others prefer refillable bottles with built-in filters, particularly in areas with older plumbing or occasional pipe maintenance. Building-level variability arises mainly due to plumbing materials rather than the source water, so newer apartment complexes often have a cleaner taste than older homes. Travelers often appreciate Boulder’s public water fountains and refill stations, which encourage reducing plastic waste. However, caution is advised after heavy rainfall or municipal work, when notices from the City of Boulder Water Quality department may recommend boiling or using bottled water temporarily.
- Taste: Mountain-influenced crispness with occasional metallic hints in older buildings.
- Filter habits: Around 40-60% of residents use some form of water filtration primarily for taste improvement.
- Refill norms: Widespread use of refillable bottles is common and supported by public water stations.
- Variability: Newer buildings generally have better tasting water due to updated plumbing; older constructions may have minor taste issues.
- Local caveats: Pay attention to advisories from the Boulder Public Health Department or the City of Boulder Official Twitter during service disruptions or weather events.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Boulder’s water quality, refer to official sources like the City of Boulder Water Quality page and guidelines from the EPA or CDC Drinking Water. These provide regular testing results, safety notices, and helpful guidance to ensure confident drinking water use.
Further reading on tap water in Boulder
To verify the tap water quality and any advisories in Boulder, start by visiting the official City of Boulder's Utilities or Water Quality section on their municipal website. The Boulder Public Health Department also provides updates on water safety. For broader standards and guidelines, consult the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, following the City of Boulder's official social media channels, such as their Twitter account, can provide real-time alerts and information regarding water quality notices.
- https://bouldercolorado.gov/services/water-quality" rel="noopener" target="_blank">City of Boulder Water Quality
- https://www.bouldercounty.org/family/health/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Boulder Public Health Department
- https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water" rel="noopener" target="_blank">United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Drinking Water
- https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/index.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Drinking Water
- https://twitter.com/CityofBoulder" rel="noopener" target="_blank">City of Boulder Official Twitter