Is Grand Lake, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.3/100
waterverge.com Grand Lake, CO — Water Quality Report
Grand Lake's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,371 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 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 80 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grand Lake's water
Grand Lake ranks #72 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Grand Lake 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grand Lake, CO water safe to drink?
Grand Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,371 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Grand Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grand Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.3/100).
Contaminants: Fluoride.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Grand Lake'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
Grand Lake's water system has 80 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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 Colorado River Below Baker Gulch Nr Grand Lake, East Inlet, Grand Lake Outlet, Colorado River Bl Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Co., Colorado River Below Lake Granby, Co..
Where does Grand Lake's water come from?
Grand Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 3,371 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Colorado River Below Baker Gulch Nr Grand Lake (river), East Inlet (river), Grand Lake Outlet (river), Colorado River Bl Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Co. (river), Colorado River Below Lake Granby, Co. (river).
What Grand Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grand Lake'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Grand Lake'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
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 Grand Lake'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. | 4.3 | 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. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Grand Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Grand Lake ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grand Lake's water comes from
Grand Lake'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 3,371 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Grand Lake
Grand Lake is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Grand Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRAND LAKE TOWN OF | CO0125322 | 2,035 | GW |
| COLUMBINE LAKE WSD | CO0125155 | 428 | GW |
| NORTH SHORE WSD | CO0125552 | 378 | GW |
| SODA SPRINGS WA | CO0125718 | 280 | GW |
| LAKE FOREST MUTUAL WC | CO0125466 | 250 | GW |
How Grand Lake compares
Full Colorado rankings →Grand Lake's score of 82.3/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grand Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grand
Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Lake, CO tap water safe to drink?
Grand Lake's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #72 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Grand Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 80 violations are on record.
How is Grand Lake'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 Grand Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grand Lake's water come from?
Grand Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 3,371 residents.
What health violations has Grand Lake's water system had?
Grand Lake has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Grand Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Grand Lake 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 80 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 Grand Lake's water compare to other cities?
Grand Lake ranks #72 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 71% of state cities) and #7048 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.