Is Jensen, UT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.2/100
waterverge.com Jensen, UT — Water Quality Report
Jensen's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,375 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 16 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jensen's water
Jensen ranks #26 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.
As a small community water system, Jensen may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jensen, UT water safe to drink?
Jensen's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,375 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Jensen
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jensen's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4011). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4011). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jensen's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Jensen's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Uintah County has experienced 6 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 Green River, Brush Creek, Ashley Creek Bel Union Canal Div Nr Jensen.
Where does Jensen's water come from?
Jensen's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,375 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Green River (river), Brush Creek (river), Ashley Creek Bel Union Canal Div Nr Jensen (river).
What Jensen residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jensen'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.
Jensen'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 Jensen
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Jensen, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHIPETA GAS PLANT VERNAL, UT84078 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtUintah County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 16.8% 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
Uintah County has experienced 6 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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jensen compares by contaminant
Explore where Jensen ranks among all Utah cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jensen's water comes from
Jensen'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 1,375 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Jensen
Jensen is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Jensen
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JENSEN WID | UTAH24010 | 1,375 | SWP |
How Jensen compares
Full Utah rankings →Jensen's score of 89.2/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Utah cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Utah rankings →About Jensen, UT
Wikipedia →Jensen is a census-designated place in eastern Uintah County, Utah, United States. The population was 372 at the 2020 census. It lies along the Green River and U.S. Route 40, southeast of the city of Vernal, the county seat of Uintah County, and about 17 miles west of the Colorado border. Although Jensen is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 84035.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jensen's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Uintah
Frequently asked questions
Is Jensen, UT tap water safe to drink?
Jensen's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #26 out of 177 cities tested in Utah.
What contaminants are in Jensen's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Jensen'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 Jensen?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jensen's water come from?
Jensen's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,375 residents.
What health violations has Jensen's water system had?
Jensen has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Jensen's water compare to other cities?
Jensen ranks #26 out of 177 cities in Utah (better than 85% of state cities) and #2986 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Jensen's small water system affect quality?
Jensen's system serves approximately 1,375 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 16 violations on record.