Is Austin, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.3/100
waterverge.com Austin, CO — Water Quality Report
Austin's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,100 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 23 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Austin's water
Austin ranks #76 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Austin 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Austin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Austin, CO water safe to drink?
Austin's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (81.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,100 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Austin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Austin's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.3/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-719). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Austin's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Austin's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Delta County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include North Fk Gunnison River Above Mouth Nr Lazear, Surface Creek, Fruit Growers Reservoir, Gunnison River, Uncompahgre River.
Where does Austin's water come from?
Austin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,100 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Fk Gunnison River Above Mouth Nr Lazear (river), Surface Creek (river), Fruit Growers Reservoir (lake), Gunnison River (river), Uncompahgre River (river).
What Austin residents can do
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.
Austin'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
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtDelta County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 0.1% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Delta County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Austin'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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Austin compares by contaminant
Explore where Austin ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Austin's water comes from
Austin'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 3,100 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Austin
Austin is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Austin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCHARD CITY TOWN OF | CO0115588 | 3,100 | GU |
How Austin compares
Full Colorado rankings →Austin's score of 81.3/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Austin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Delta
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin, CO tap water safe to drink?
Austin's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #76 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Austin's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Austin'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 Austin?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Austin's water come from?
Austin's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,100 residents.
Is Austin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Austin 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 23 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 Austin's water compare to other cities?
Austin ranks #76 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 69% of state cities) and #7508 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Austin's small water system affect quality?
Austin's system serves approximately 3,100 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 23 violations on record.