Is Burns, WY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.3/100
waterverge.com Burns, WY — Water Quality Report
Burns's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,024 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 131 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Burns's water
Burns ranks #34 out of 65 cities in Wyoming for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Burns 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, Burns may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Burns, WY water safe to drink?
Burns's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,024 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Burns
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Burns's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.3/100).
Contaminants: Vinyl chloride, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane.
Contaminants: ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE, Endrin, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Radium-226, Radium-228.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-740). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Burns's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Burns's water system has 131 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Laramie County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 1985. 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 Burns's water come from?
Burns's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,024 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Burns residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Burns'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.
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 droughtLaramie County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 0.6% 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
Laramie County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 1985. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Burns compares by contaminant
Explore where Burns ranks among all Wyoming cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Burns's water comes from
Burns'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 1,024 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Burns
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BURNS BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES | WY5600188 | 1,024 | GW |
How Burns compares
Full Wyoming rankings →Burns's score of 73.3/100 is above the average of 55/100 among major Wyoming cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wyoming rankings →About Burns, WY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Burns's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Laramie
Frequently asked questions
Is Burns, WY tap water safe to drink?
Burns's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #34 out of 65 cities tested in Wyoming.
What contaminants are in Burns's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 131 violations are on record.
How is Burns'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 Burns?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Burns's water come from?
Burns's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,024 residents.
What health violations has Burns's water system had?
Burns has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Burns's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Burns 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 131 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 Burns's water compare to other cities?
Burns ranks #34 out of 65 cities in Wyoming (better than 48% of state cities) and #10115 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Burns's small water system affect quality?
Burns's system serves approximately 1,024 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 131 violations on record.