Is Helper, UT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.5/100
waterverge.com Helper, UT — Water Quality Report
Helper's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 7 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Helper's water
Helper ranks #23 out of 177 cities in Utah for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.12 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Helper may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Helper, UT water safe to drink?
Helper's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Helper
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Helper's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3223). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-680). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Helper's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Helper's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Carbon County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1983. 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 Price River Below Golf Course.
Where does Helper's water come from?
Helper's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Price River Below Golf Course (river).
What Helper residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Helper'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Helper
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Helper, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GENEVA ROCK PRODUCTS-HELPER HELPER, UT84526 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
WILDCAT MIDSTREAM LOADOUT FACILITY HELPER, UT84526 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCarbon County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 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
Carbon County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1983. 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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Helper compares by contaminant
Explore where Helper ranks among all Utah cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Helper's water comes from
Helper's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Helper
Helper is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Helper
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HELPER CITY | UTAH04004 | 2,000 | SWP |
How Helper compares
Full Utah rankings →Helper's score of 89.5/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Utah cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Utah rankings →About Helper, UT
Wikipedia →Helper is a city in Carbon County, Utah, United States, approximately 110 miles (180 km) southeast of Salt Lake City and 7 miles (11 km) northwest of the city of Price. The population was 2,112 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Helper's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carbon
Frequently asked questions
Is Helper, UT tap water safe to drink?
Helper's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #23 out of 177 cities tested in Utah.
What contaminants are in Helper's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Helper'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 Helper?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Helper's water come from?
Helper's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 residents.
What health violations has Helper's water system had?
Helper has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Helper's water compare to other cities?
Helper ranks #23 out of 177 cities in Utah (better than 87% of state cities) and #2793 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Helper's small water system affect quality?
Helper's system serves approximately 2,000 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 7 violations on record.