TapSafetyReport
F0/100

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

Serving 2,499 residents · Colorado

What's In Paonia's Tap Water?

8
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.001 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

16

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

3

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

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

When: July 1, 2025 – August 4, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Other Violation

When: May 18, 2023 – September 20, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: May 1, 2023 – May 31, 2023Rule: 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: May 1, 2023 – May 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: 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: December 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: 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: January 1, 2022 – January 31, 2022Rule: 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: January 1, 2022 – January 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: January 1, 2022 – January 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: 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: December 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: December 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: 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: December 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: 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: September 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: 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: September 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: 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: July 1, 2021 – July 31, 2021Rule: 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: July 1, 2021 – July 31, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

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

When: July 1, 2021 – August 11, 2021Rule: Ground Water 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

PAONIA TOWN OF
Population Served

2,499

Water Source

Groundwater Under Influence of Surface Water

System ID

CO0115601

Frequently Asked Questions About Paonia Water

Is Paonia tap water safe to drink?

Paonia, Colorado tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 154 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Paonia's water?

Of the 8 contaminants tested in Paonia's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Paonia have any water quality violations?

Yes, Paonia has 154 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, TT. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Paonia?

Paonia water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Paonia's tap water come from?

Paonia's drinking water is sourced from groundwater under influence of surface water and supplied by PAONIA TOWN OF. The system serves approximately 2,499 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Paonia'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. Paonia'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 Paonia's water compare to other cities in Colorado?

Paonia's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. 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 Paonia's water quality?

If you have concerns about Paonia'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 (PAONIA 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.

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