Is Fraser, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
57.5/100
waterverge.com Fraser, CO — Water Quality Report
Fraser's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,475 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 270 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fraser's water
Fraser ranks #149 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Fraser 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.
The system has seen 57 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fraser, CO water safe to drink?
Fraser's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,475 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fraser
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fraser's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: DICHLOROMETHANE, o-Dichlorobenzene, Trichloroethylene.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fraser's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Fraser's water system has 270 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 57 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grand County has experienced 4 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 Fraser River, Vasquez Creek, Elk Creek, St. Louis Creek, Middle Fork Ranch Creek.
Where does Fraser's water come from?
Fraser's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 5,475 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Fraser River (river), Vasquez Creek (river), Elk Creek (river), St. Louis Creek (river), Middle Fork Ranch Creek (river).
What Fraser residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fraser'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.
Fraser'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Fraser
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fraser, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KILGORE DBA PEAK MAT - FRASER PLANTS FRASER, CO80442 | — | — | 4.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtGrand County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 98.3% 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
Grand County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Fraser's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fraser compares by contaminant
Explore where Fraser ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fraser's water comes from
Fraser'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 5,475 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Fraser
Fraser is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fraser
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WINTER PARK RANCH WSD | CO0125844 | 3,250 | GW |
| FRASER TOWN OF | CO0125288 | 2,150 | GW |
| OLYMPIC VILLAGE | CO0125246 | 75 | GW |
How Fraser compares
Full Colorado rankings →Fraser's score of 57.5/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Fraser, CO
Wikipedia →The Town of Fraser is a Statutory Town located in Grand County, Colorado, United States. The town population was 1,400 at the 2020 United States census, a +14.38% increase since the 2010 United States census. The town is situated in Middle Park in the valley of the Fraser River along U.S. Highway 40. Its location northwest of Winter Park, the location of a popular ski resort, has provided growth in recent years with new condominium and other real estate developments.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fraser's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grand
Frequently asked questions
Is Fraser, CO tap water safe to drink?
Fraser's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #149 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Fraser's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 270 violations are on record.
How is Fraser'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 Fraser?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fraser's water come from?
Fraser's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 5,475 residents.
Is Fraser's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fraser 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 270 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 Fraser's water compare to other cities?
Fraser ranks #149 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 39% of state cities) and #12364 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.