Is La Veta, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
41.9/100
waterverge.com La Veta, CO — Water Quality Report
La Veta's drinking water received a grade of F (41.9 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,325 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.5 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 141 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about La Veta's water
La Veta ranks #226 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 45.8 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
As a small community water system, La Veta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 32 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is La Veta, CO water safe to drink?
La Veta's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (41.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,325 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for La Veta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into La Veta's water quality assessment. Grade: F (41.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 La Veta's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Elevated disinfection byproduct levels. These form when chlorine interacts with organic matter during water treatment.
Violation history
La Veta's water system has 141 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 32 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Huerfano County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Veta's water come from?
La Veta's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,325 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What La Veta residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in La Veta'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.
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 droughtHuerfano County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 11.0% 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
Huerfano County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in La Veta'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. | 3.5 | 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. | 1.55 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how La Veta compares by contaminant
Explore where La Veta ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where La Veta's water comes from
La Veta'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 1,325 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving La Veta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA VETA TOWN OF | CO0128500 | 850 | SW |
| CUCHARAS SANITATION AND WATER DISTRICT | CO0128100 | 343 | SW |
| HUAJATOLLA VALLEY ESTATES INC | CO0128400 | 132 | GU |
How La Veta compares
Full Colorado rankings →La Veta's score of 41.9/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About La Veta, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to La Veta's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Huerfano
Frequently asked questions
Is La Veta, CO tap water safe to drink?
La Veta's water quality earned a grade of F (41.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #226 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in La Veta's water?
Lead was measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile). 141 violations are on record.
How is La Veta'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 Veta?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does La Veta's water come from?
La Veta's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,325 residents.
What health violations has La Veta's water system had?
La Veta has 26 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
How does La Veta's water compare to other cities?
La Veta ranks #226 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 8% of state cities) and #14933 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.