Is Ethete, WY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.5/100
waterverge.com Ethete, WY — Water Quality Report
Ethete's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,100 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 358 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ethete's water
Ethete ranks #32 out of 65 cities in Wyoming for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Ethete 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, Ethete may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ethete, WY water safe to drink?
Ethete's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,100 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ethete
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ethete's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.5/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Uranium, Radium-228.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4327). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1923). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ethete's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ethete's water system has 358 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fremont County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2010. 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 Wind River.
Where does Ethete's water come from?
Ethete's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,100 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wind River (river).
What Ethete residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ethete'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
Flood & disaster history
Fremont County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2010. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ethete compares by contaminant
Explore where Ethete ranks among all Wyoming cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ethete's water comes from
Ethete'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 3,100 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ethete
Ethete is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ethete
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARAPAHOE COMM WATER SYSTEM | 085690004 | 3,100 | GW |
How Ethete compares
Full Wyoming rankings →Ethete's score of 74.5/100 is above the average of 55/100 among major Wyoming cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wyoming rankings →ZIP codes served by Ethete
The water system serving Ethete covers 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Ethete, WY
Wikipedia →Ethete is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fremont County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 1,553 at the 2010 census. The town is located on the Wind River Indian Reservation. It grew up around the Episcopal St. Michael's Mission.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ethete's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ethete, WY tap water safe to drink?
Ethete's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #32 out of 65 cities tested in Wyoming.
What contaminants are in Ethete's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 358 violations are on record.
How is Ethete'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 Ethete?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ethete's water come from?
Ethete's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,100 residents.
What health violations has Ethete's water system had?
Ethete has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ethete's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ethete 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 358 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 Ethete's water compare to other cities?
Ethete ranks #32 out of 65 cities in Wyoming (better than 51% of state cities) and #9833 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ethete's small water system affect quality?
Ethete's system serves approximately 3,100 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 358 violations on record.