WaterVerge

Is Guernsey, WY Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: WY5600023
Overall Score
88.8 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#11 of 65 in Wyoming Top 21% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
88.8/100
waterverge.com
A- 88.8/100

Guernsey, WY — Water Quality Report

Guernsey's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,157 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 80 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Guernsey's water

Guernsey ranks #11 out of 65 cities in Wyoming for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Guernsey 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, Guernsey may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
88.8 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36.8/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Guernsey, WY water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Guernsey's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,157 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
2 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Guernsey

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Guernsey's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.8/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4227). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
FLOODING

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 Guernsey's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Guernsey's water system has 80 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Mar 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Oct 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2024 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2019 Asbestos Resolved
Apr 2011 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Platte 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 North Platte River Below Whalen Diversion Dam.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4227
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1923

Where does Guernsey's water come from?

Guernsey's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,157 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Platte River Below Whalen Diversion Dam (river).

What Guernsey residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

80
Total violations
9
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Mar 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

80 Total
2 Active
9 Health-based
78 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
26
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Total Coliform Rule
14
Inorganic Chemicals
12
Revised Total Coliform Rule
2
Oct 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Mar 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Mar 2025
Jan 2024 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jan 2024
Jul 2019 Resolved
Asbestos
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2019
Apr 2011 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Apr 2011
Oct 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2010
Jan 2010 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Sep 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2009
Aug 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2009
Jan 2008 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
LASSO
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
Heptachlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
Pentachlorophenol
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
Chlordane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2008 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Showing 20 of 80 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Guernsey

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Guernsey, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
US ARMY CAMP GUERNSEY TRAINING AREAS
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
GUERNSEY, WY82214
0.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Platte County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 16.5% 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
27.0%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

2
Declared disasters
Jul 2015
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Platte 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.

Jul 2015
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4227
Jul 2010
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1923

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.0 ppb from 2006 (2.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,157
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Guernsey's water comes from

Groundwater

Guernsey'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 1,157 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Guernsey

Guernsey is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

North Platte River Below Whalen Diversion Dam
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Guernsey

System Name PWSID Population Source
GUERNSEY, TOWN OF WY5600023 1,157 GW
Regional Comparison

How Guernsey compares

Full Wyoming rankings →

Guernsey's score of 88.8/100 is above the average of 55/100 among major Wyoming cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Guernsey (this city)
88.8
Cheyenne
30.8
Casper
41.8
Gillette
44.5
Laramie
55.2
Jackson
43.2
Wyoming avg
55
City Profile

About Guernsey, WY

Wikipedia →

Guernsey is a town in Platte County, Wyoming, United States. As of the 2020 census, Guernsey had a population of 1,130.

Economic Profile
$84,219
Median Income
$845/mo
Median Rent
0.9%
Unemployment
Community
47.5
Median Age
372
People / sq mi
20.5%
College Educated
72.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Guernsey, WY tap water safe to drink?

Guernsey's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #11 out of 65 cities tested in Wyoming.

What contaminants are in Guernsey's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 80 violations are on record.

How is Guernsey'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 Guernsey?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Guernsey's water come from?

Guernsey's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,157 residents.

What health violations has Guernsey's water system had?

Guernsey has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Guernsey's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Guernsey 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 Guernsey's water compare to other cities?

Guernsey ranks #11 out of 65 cities in Wyoming (better than 83% of state cities) and #3250 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Guernsey's small water system affect quality?

Guernsey's system serves approximately 1,157 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 80 violations on record.