TapSafetyReport
D39/100

Carbondale Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 6,700 residents · Colorado

What's In Carbondale's Tap Water?

32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Copper (90th percentile)
1.86 mg/L1.30 mg/LOver Limit
Lead (90th percentile)
0.002 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

8

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

2

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Missed required monitoring deadline

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: February 1, 2024 – February 29, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to complete routine monitoring

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: February 1, 2024 – February 29, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: August 1, 2022 – August 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: July 1, 2022 – July 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

CARBONDALE TOWN OF
Population Served

6,700

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

CO0123167

Frequently Asked Questions About Carbondale Water

Is Carbondale tap water safe to drink?

Carbondale, Colorado tap water receives a grade of D (39/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 30 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Carbondale's water?

Of the 32 contaminants tested in Carbondale's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Carbondale have any water quality violations?

Yes, Carbondale has 30 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, TT. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Carbondale?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Carbondale is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Carbondale's tap water come from?

Carbondale's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CARBONDALE TOWN OF. The system serves approximately 6,700 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Carbondale's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Carbondale's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Carbondale's water compare to other cities in Colorado?

Carbondale's water quality score of 39/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Colorado state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Carbondale's water quality?

If you have concerns about Carbondale's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CARBONDALE TOWN OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

Nearby Cities in Colorado

DenverBAuroraCColorado SpringsCFort CollinsBLakewoodA