Is Bayfield, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Bayfield, CO — Water Quality Report
Bayfield's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 5,993 residents using surface water.
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 365 violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bayfield's water
Bayfield ranks #174 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.
The system has seen 54 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bayfield, CO water safe to drink?
Bayfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 5,993 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bayfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bayfield's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-396). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bayfield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bayfield's water system has 365 total violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 54 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
La Plata County has experienced 3 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 Los Pinos River.
Where does Bayfield's water come from?
Bayfield's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 5,993 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Los Pinos River (river).
What Bayfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bayfield'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.
Bayfield'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
D3 — extreme droughtArchuleta 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
La Plata County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bayfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Bayfield ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bayfield's water comes from
Bayfield'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 5,993 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Bayfield
Bayfield is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bayfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAYFIELD TOWN OF | CO0134030 | 2,300 | SW |
| FOREST LAKES MD | CO0134360 | 1,699 | GW |
| PIEDRA PARK MD | CO0104700 | 850 | GU |
| HOMESTEAD TRAILS | CO0134809 | 258 | GW |
| FLORIDA RIVER ESTATES HOA INC | CO0134300 | 239 | GU |
| HAPPY SCENES WS INC | CO0234390 | 209 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN MAN WATER SERVICE | CO0134516 | 200 | SWP |
| LIGHTNER CREEK MHP | CO0134570 | 90 | GW |
| FREEMAN CREEK | CO0234388 | 88 | GU |
| HEARTWOOD CO OP HOUSING | CO0134338 | 60 | GW |
How Bayfield compares
Full Colorado rankings →Bayfield's score of 49/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Bayfield, CO
Wikipedia →Bayfield is a statutory town located in La Plata County, Colorado, United States. The town population was 2,838 at the 2020 United States census, a +21.65% increase since the 2010 United States census. Bayfield is part of the Durango, CO Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bayfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across La Plata
Frequently asked questions
Is Bayfield, CO tap water safe to drink?
Bayfield's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #174 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Bayfield's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 365 violations are on record.
How is Bayfield'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 Bayfield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bayfield's water come from?
Bayfield's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 5,993 residents.
What health violations has Bayfield's water system had?
Bayfield has 25 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bayfield's water compare to other cities?
Bayfield ranks #174 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 29% of state cities) and #13300 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.