Colorado Renter Rights: Safe Drinking Water Standards

Clean, safe drinking water is essential for health and wellbeing in any rental property. In Colorado, both tenants and landlords have legal responsibilities when it comes to water quality. This article explains safe drinking water standards for rental properties in Colorado, how the law protects renters, and what steps you can take if you suspect your water is unsafe.

Understanding Safe Drinking Water Standards in Colorado Rentals

Colorado law requires that every rental property provides tenants with water that is clean, potable (drinkable), and safe for daily use. The main state law protecting renters’ right to safe water is the Colorado Warranty of Habitability, found in the Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12, Part 5 – Residential Landlord and Tenant (Warranty of Habitability)^[1]. Under these rules, landlords must ensure water is both safe to drink and meets basic health standards as defined by the state’s public health department.

What Safe Drinking Water Means

• Water must come from an approved, tested public or private system
• No dangerous levels of contaminants, such as lead, bacteria, or chemicals
• Water must be available at all taps meant for drinking, cooking, and bathing

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) oversees water quality for most rental properties statewide.^[2]

Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords are obligated to:

• Provide a continuous supply of safe drinking water
• Promptly address any known or reported water issues
• Comply with all local and state water testing regulations

If a rental property’s water system tests positive for unsafe levels of contaminants:

• Landlords must fix the issue within a “reasonable time frame”
• Tenants have the right to request repairs and, if necessary, take further action

Tenant Rights and Actions

• You have the right to live in a home with safe, drinkable water
• You can request confirmation of recent water testing from your landlord
• You can file a written complaint if water quality issues go unresolved

If your request is ignored or not addressed in a timely manner, you may follow formal steps to notify your landlord and, if needed, pursue further remedies.

Filing a Complaint or Request for Repairs

If you suspect the water in your rental unit is unsafe, follow these steps:

• Notify your landlord in writing about the water issue, as Colorado law requires landlords receive written notice to trigger repair obligations.
• If the landlord fails to address the issue, you may file a complaint with your local health department or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Relevant Official Forms

• Tenant Written Notice of Hazardous Condition (no official numbered form):
  When to use: If you experience unsafe drinking water, use a written notice (letter or email) to inform your landlord and request repairs.
  How to use: Clearly describe the water issue and request that it be addressed. Keep a copy for yourself. Download a sample Tenant Notice of Habitability form from Colorado Housing Connects.^[3]
• Complaint Form – Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (online form):
  When to use: If the landlord fails to resolve the water issue after written notice, file a complaint with the CDPHE.
  How to use: Complete the online form at the official CDPHE Public Information & Reporting page to report public health threats in rental properties.

The official board handling landlord-tenant matters in Colorado is the Colorado County Court. Tenant legal complaints (such as seeking remedies under the Warranty of Habitability) are generally filed here under the appropriate jurisdiction.^[4]

Staying Informed and Proactive

If you suspect unsafe water, proactive steps and documentation will help ensure your rights are protected. Regularly check communications from your landlord or property manager about water system repairs or advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if I believe my rental water supply is contaminated?
   Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible, request urgent repairs, and keep all correspondence for your records.
2. Am I allowed to withhold rent if repairs to the water system are not made?
   Under Colorado law, rent withholding is not automatically allowed. However, you may have rights to terminate the lease or seek a court order if the landlord fails to address serious habitability concerns such as unsafe water.
3. Who tests the drinking water in my Colorado rental property?
   Most testing is performed by municipal water departments or, for private systems, by state-approved labs following guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
4. How long does a landlord have to fix water safety problems?
   Colorado law requires landlords to make repairs addressing habitability issues, such as unsafe drinking water, within a "reasonable time" – typically within 24-72 hours depending on the severity.
5. Can I get help paying for an independent water test if my landlord refuses?
   Some city or county health departments may offer free or low-cost water testing for tenants. Contact your local health office or the CDPHE for assistance.

Key Takeaways for Colorado Renters

• You are legally entitled to safe, clean drinking water in your rental home
• Always notify your landlord in writing about water issues for proper documentation
• If the landlord does not resolve the problem promptly, contact the state or county health department and consider next steps under the Warranty of Habitability

Staying informed and documenting all steps helps protect your rights as a Colorado renter regarding drinking water safety.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment – Drinking Water Program: Guidance, complaints, and testing information
• Colorado Housing Connects: Tenant support, forms, and habitability advice
• Colorado County Court Locator: File claims if landlord fails to provide safe water
• CDPHE Complaint Form & Contacts: Report unresolved health and water hazards

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1. Colorado Revised Statutes §38-12-503: Warranty of Habitability for Residential Premises
2. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment – Drinking Water Program
3. Sample Tenant Notice of Habitability Form – Colorado Housing Connects (PDF)
4. Colorado County Courts: Filing Civil Claims

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