D25/100
Payson Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 27,265 residents · Utah
What's In Payson's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2025 – August 26, 2025Enforcement: 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
PAYSON CITY WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
19,000
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
UTAH25021
TWIN CREEKS SSD
Population Served
4,640
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
UTAH26080
JORDANELLE SSD
Population Served
2,345
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
UTAH26086
NORTH VILLAGE SSD
Population Served
1,280
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
UTAH26096
Frequently Asked Questions About Payson Water
Is Payson tap water safe to drink?
Payson, Utah tap water receives a grade of D (25/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 281 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Payson's water?
Of the 73 contaminants tested in Payson'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 Payson have any water quality violations?
Yes, Payson has 281 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 10 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Payson?
Payson 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 Payson's tap water come from?
Payson's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by PAYSON CITY WATER SYSTEM and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 27,265 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Payson'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. Payson'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 Payson's water compare to other cities in Utah?
Payson's water quality score of 25/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Utah state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Payson's water quality?
If you have concerns about Payson'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 (PAYSON CITY WATER SYSTEM) 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.