WaterVerge

Is Alpine, WY Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 4 water systems PWSID: WY5600156
Overall Score
51.1 / 100
Violations
17 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#48 of 65 in Wyoming Top 82% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
D+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
51.1/100
waterverge.com
D+ 51.1/100

Alpine, WY — Water Quality Report

Alpine's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,085 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 213 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Alpine's water

Alpine ranks #48 out of 65 cities in Wyoming for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Alpine relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, Alpine may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
51.1 out of 100 Grade D+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
5.1/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Alpine, WY water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Alpine's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,085 residents using groundwater (wells).

17
Active Violations
3.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Alpine

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alpine's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.1/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI, Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alpine's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 3.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.66 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Alpine's water system has 213 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMONTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 E. COLI Open
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2025 Nitrate-Nitrite Resolved
Jan 2025 Nitrate-Nitrite Resolved
Jun 2024 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved

Where does Alpine's water come from?

Alpine's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,085 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Snake River Above Reservoir, (river), Greys River Above Reservoir, (river), Salt River Above Reservoir, (river).

What Alpine residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Alpine's water.

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
3.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 20% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.66 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

213
Total violations
7
Health-based
17
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

213 Total
17 Active
7 Health-based
196 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
105
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
36
Total Coliform Rule
20
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
17
Nitrate Rule
11
Jul 2025 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2020 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jun 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2016 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2015 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2010 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2000 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1995 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2025 Resolved
Nitrate-Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2025 Resolved
Nitrate-Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jun 2024 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jun 2024
Showing 20 of 213 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Lincoln County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
28.2%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Alpine's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 3.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.66 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.0 ppb from 2003 (5.0 ppb) to 2025 (3.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.280 mg/L from 1996 (1.940 mg/L) to 1998 (1.660 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,085
Water Systems
4
Water Source

Where Alpine's water comes from

Groundwater

Alpine's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,085 people through 4 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Alpine

Alpine is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Snake River Above Reservoir,
river
Greys River Above Reservoir,
river
Salt River Above Reservoir,
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Alpine

System Name PWSID Population Source
ALPINE, TOWN OF WY5600156 1,300 GW
NORDIC RANCHES WATER, LLC. WY5601418 465 GW
NORTH ALPINE I&S DISTRICT WY5601021 200 GW
TOWN OF ALPINE - MEGA WELL WY5601748 120 GW
Regional Comparison

How Alpine compares

Full Wyoming rankings →

Alpine's score of 51.1/100 is on par with the average of 55/100 among major Wyoming cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Alpine (this city)
51.1
Cheyenne
30.8
Casper
41.8
Gillette
44.5
Laramie
55.2
Jackson
43.2
Wyoming avg
55
City Profile

About Alpine, WY

Wikipedia →

Alpine is a town in the northwest corner of Lincoln County, Wyoming, United States; adjacent to the Idaho border, the northwest end of the Alpine Airport's single runway extends into Idaho. The population was 1,220 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$85,326
Median Income
$448,943
Median Home Value
$1,107/mo
Median Rent
0%
Unemployment
Community
33.7
Median Age
335
People / sq mi
27.8%
College Educated
49%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Alpine, WY tap water safe to drink?

Alpine's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #48 out of 65 cities tested in Wyoming.

What contaminants are in Alpine's water?

Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 213 violations are on record.

How is Alpine's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Alpine?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Alpine's water come from?

Alpine's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,085 residents.

What health violations has Alpine's water system had?

Alpine has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.

Is Alpine's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Alpine uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 213 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Alpine's water compare to other cities?

Alpine ranks #48 out of 65 cities in Wyoming (better than 26% of state cities) and #12909 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.