Is La Jara, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.7/100
waterverge.com La Jara, CO — Water Quality Report
La Jara's drinking water received a grade of B (78.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 825 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 79 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about La Jara's water
La Jara ranks #85 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
La Jara 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, La Jara may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is La Jara, CO water safe to drink?
La Jara's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 825 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for La Jara
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into La Jara's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-396). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for La Jara's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
La Jara's water system has 79 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Conejos County has experienced 3 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.
Where does La Jara's water come from?
La Jara's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 825 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What La Jara residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in La Jara'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.
La Jara'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
D3 — extreme droughtConejos 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
Conejos County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how La Jara compares by contaminant
Explore where La Jara ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where La Jara's water comes from
La Jara'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 825 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving La Jara
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA JARA TOWN OF | CO0111600 | 825 | GW |
How La Jara compares
Full Colorado rankings →La Jara's score of 78.7/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About La Jara, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to La Jara's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Conejos
Frequently asked questions
Is La Jara, CO tap water safe to drink?
La Jara's water quality earned a grade of B (78.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #85 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in La Jara's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 79 violations are on record.
How is La Jara'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 La Jara?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does La Jara's water come from?
La Jara's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 825 residents.
Is La Jara's groundwater at risk of contamination?
La Jara 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 79 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 La Jara's water compare to other cities?
La Jara ranks #85 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 65% of state cities) and #8578 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does La Jara's small water system affect quality?
La Jara's system serves approximately 825 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 79 violations on record.