Is Altamont, UT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.6/100
waterverge.com Altamont, UT — Water Quality Report
Altamont's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,005 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 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 47 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Altamont's water
Altamont ranks #65 out of 177 cities in Utah for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Altamont purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Altamont may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Altamont, UT water safe to drink?
Altamont's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,005 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Altamont
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Altamont's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4011). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3223). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Altamont's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Altamont's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Duchesne County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1983. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Altamont's water come from?
Altamont's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,005 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Altamont residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Altamont's water.
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Altamont's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Altamont
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Altamont, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALTAMONT GAS PLANT-KINDER MORGAN ALTAMONT, UT84001 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtDuchesne County is currently in D3 (extreme 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Duchesne County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1983. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Altamont's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 4.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.71 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Altamont compares by contaminant
Explore where Altamont ranks among all Utah cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Altamont's water comes from
Altamont purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Altamont's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,005 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Altamont
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BALLARD WATER IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT | UTAH24001 | 1,005 | GWP |
| DUCHESNE CO WCD | UTAH07069 | — | SWP |
How Altamont compares
Full Utah rankings →Altamont's score of 82.6/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Utah cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Utah rankings →About Altamont, UT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Altamont's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Uintah
Frequently asked questions
Is Altamont, UT tap water safe to drink?
Altamont's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #65 out of 177 cities tested in Utah.
What contaminants are in Altamont's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is Altamont'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 Altamont?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Altamont's water come from?
Altamont's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,005 residents.
What health violations has Altamont's water system had?
Altamont has 2 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Altamont's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Altamont 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 47 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 Altamont's water compare to other cities?
Altamont ranks #65 out of 177 cities in Utah (better than 63% of state cities) and #6884 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.