Is Crested Butte, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 31 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
57.8/100
waterverge.com Crested Butte, CO — Water Quality Report
Crested Butte's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 5,668 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 241 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved.
What to know about Crested Butte's water
Crested Butte ranks #148 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 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Crested Butte, CO water safe to drink?
Crested Butte's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 5,668 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Crested Butte
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Crested Butte's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Fluoride.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Crested Butte's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Crested Butte's water system has 241 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gunnison County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Coal Creek Above Elk Creek, Elk Creek, Coal Creek, East River Below Cement Creek Nr Crested Butte, East River Number 1 Ditch Flume 2.
Where does Crested Butte's water come from?
Crested Butte's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 9 water systems serving approximately 5,668 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Coal Creek Above Elk Creek (river), Elk Creek (river), Coal Creek (river), East River Below Cement Creek Nr Crested Butte (river), East River Number 1 Ditch Flume 2 (stream).
What Crested Butte residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Crested Butte'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.
Crested Butte'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Crested Butte
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- STANDARD MINE5.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtGunnison County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 15.2% 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
Gunnison County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Crested Butte compares by contaminant
Explore where Crested Butte ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Crested Butte's water comes from
Crested Butte'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 5,668 people through 9 water systems.
Water bodies near Crested Butte
Crested Butte is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Crested Butte
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRESTED BUTTE TOWN OF | CO0126188 | 2,440 | SW |
| CRESTED BUTTE SOUTH | CO0126189 | 2,000 | GW |
| RIVERLAND LOT OWNERS ASSOC | CO0126677 | 368 | GW |
| SKYLAND MD | CO0226712 | 335 | GW |
| BUCKHORN RANCH WS | CO0126158 | 205 | GU |
| LARKSPUR SUBD | CO0126466 | 118 | GW |
| PONDEROSA PARK ASSOC | CO0126618 | 100 | GW |
| SADDLE RIDGE RANCH ESTATES WC | CO0126716 | 55 | GU |
| RIVER GREEN POA | CO0126674 | 47 | GW |
How Crested Butte compares
Full Colorado rankings →Crested Butte's score of 57.8/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Crested Butte, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Crested Butte's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gunnison
Frequently asked questions
Is Crested Butte, CO tap water safe to drink?
Crested Butte's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #148 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Crested Butte's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 241 violations are on record.
How is Crested Butte'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 Crested Butte?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Crested Butte's water come from?
Crested Butte's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 9 water systems serving approximately 5,668 residents.
What health violations has Crested Butte's water system had?
Crested Butte has 12 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. 31 violations remain unresolved.
How does Crested Butte's water compare to other cities?
Crested Butte ranks #148 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 40% of state cities) and #12341 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.