Is El Jebel, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.8/100
waterverge.com El Jebel, CO — Water Quality Report
El Jebel's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,962 residents using ground water under influence.
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 34 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about El Jebel's water
El Jebel ranks #108 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
El Jebel 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, El Jebel may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is El Jebel, CO water safe to drink?
El Jebel's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,962 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for El Jebel
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into El Jebel's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.8/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 El Jebel's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
El Jebel's water system has 34 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Eagle County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Roaring Fork River.
Where does El Jebel's water come from?
El Jebel's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,962 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Roaring Fork River (river).
What El Jebel residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in El Jebel'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 droughtEagle County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% 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
Eagle County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 El Jebel compares by contaminant
Explore where El Jebel ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where El Jebel's water comes from
El Jebel'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,962 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near El Jebel
El Jebel is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving El Jebel
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EL JEBEL MHP | CO0119246 | 1,962 | GU |
How El Jebel compares
Full Colorado rankings →El Jebel's score of 73.8/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About El Jebel, CO
Wikipedia →El Jebel is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP) located in and governed by Eagle County, Colorado, United States. The CDP is a part of the Edwards, CO Micropolitan Statistical Area and the Edwards-Rifle, CO Combined Statistical Area. The population of the El Jebel CDP was 4,130 at the United States Census 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to El Jebel's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Eagle
Frequently asked questions
Is El Jebel, CO tap water safe to drink?
El Jebel's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #108 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in El Jebel's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 34 violations are on record.
How is El Jebel'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 El Jebel?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does El Jebel's water come from?
El Jebel's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,962 residents.
What health violations has El Jebel's water system had?
El Jebel has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is El Jebel's groundwater at risk of contamination?
El Jebel 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 34 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 El Jebel's water compare to other cities?
El Jebel ranks #108 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 56% of state cities) and #10015 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 El Jebel's small water system affect quality?
El Jebel's system serves approximately 1,962 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 34 violations on record.