Is Bailey, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
61.8/100
waterverge.com Bailey, CO — Water Quality Report
Bailey's drinking water received a grade of C (61.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 783 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 111 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bailey's water
Bailey ranks #141 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Bailey may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bailey, CO water safe to drink?
Bailey's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 783 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bailey
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bailey's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.8/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4229). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bailey's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bailey's water system has 111 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Park County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Bailey's water come from?
Bailey's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 783 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Bailey residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bailey'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.
Bailey'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 droughtPark County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 22.8% 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
Park County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bailey compares by contaminant
Explore where Bailey ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bailey's water comes from
Bailey's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 783 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Bailey
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAILEY WSD | CO0147010 | 483 | SW |
| WILL O WISP METRO DISTRICT | CO0147200 | 300 | GW |
How Bailey compares
Full Colorado rankings →Bailey's score of 61.8/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Bailey, CO
Wikipedia →Bailey is an unincorporated community and U.S. Post Office in northeastern Park County, Colorado, United States. Bailey's Post Office ZIP Code is 80421.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bailey's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Park
Frequently asked questions
Is Bailey, CO tap water safe to drink?
Bailey's water quality earned a grade of C (61.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #141 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Bailey's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 111 violations are on record.
How is Bailey'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 Bailey?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bailey's water come from?
Bailey's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 783 residents.
What health violations has Bailey's water system had?
Bailey has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bailey's water compare to other cities?
Bailey ranks #141 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 43% of state cities) and #11959 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.