D32/100
Steamboat Springs Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 28,380 residents · Colorado
What's In Steamboat Springs's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
8
Violations (last 5yr)
6
Unresolved
3
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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
MT WERNER WD
Population Served
16,980
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
CO0154524
STEAMBOAT II MD
Population Served
1,450
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CO0154724
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS CITY OF
Population Served
9,950
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
CO0154725
Frequently Asked Questions About Steamboat Springs Water
Is Steamboat Springs tap water safe to drink?
Steamboat Springs, Colorado tap water receives a grade of D (32/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 205 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Steamboat Springs's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Steamboat Springs'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 Steamboat Springs have any water quality violations?
Yes, Steamboat Springs has 205 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, TT, Other. 10 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Steamboat Springs?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Steamboat Springs 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 Steamboat Springs's tap water come from?
Steamboat Springs's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by MT WERNER WD and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 28,380 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Steamboat Springs'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. Steamboat Springs'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 Steamboat Springs's water compare to other cities in Colorado?
Steamboat Springs's water quality score of 32/100 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 Steamboat Springs's water quality?
If you have concerns about Steamboat Springs'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 (MT WERNER WD) 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.