Is Lake City, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
87.2/100
waterverge.com Lake City, CO — Water Quality Report
Lake City's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 654 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 20 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake City's water
Lake City ranks #40 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Lake City 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, Lake City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake City, CO water safe to drink?
Lake City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 654 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-719). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Lake City's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hinsdale County has experienced 4 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. Local water sources include Lake Fork, Henson Creek.
Where does Lake City's water come from?
Lake City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 654 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lake Fork (river), Henson Creek (river).
What Lake City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake City'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.
Lake City'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 droughtHinsdale 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
Hinsdale County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lake City'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 2.05 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lake City compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake City ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake City's water comes from
Lake City'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 654 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lake City
Lake City is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE CITY TOWN OF | CO0127467 | 587 | GW |
| SAN JUAN RANCH HOA | CO0227700 | 67 | GW |
How Lake City compares
Full Colorado rankings →Lake City's score of 87.2/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Lake City, CO
Wikipedia →Lake City is a statutory town that is the county seat of, the most populous community in, and the only incorporated municipality in Hinsdale County, Colorado, United States. The population was 432 at the 2020 census. It is located in the San Juan Mountains in a valley formed by the convergence of Henson Creek and the headwaters of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River about seven miles (11 km) east of Uncompahgre Peak, a Colorado fourteener. Lake City is named after nearby Lake San Cristobal. This area lies at the southern end of the Colorado Mineral Belt and when rich mineral deposits were discovered the native population was pushed from their tribal lands and the town of Lake City was incorporated in 1873.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hinsdale
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake City, CO tap water safe to drink?
Lake City's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #40 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Lake City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Lake City'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 Lake City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake City's water come from?
Lake City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 654 residents.
What health violations has Lake City's water system had?
Lake City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake City 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 20 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 Lake City's water compare to other cities?
Lake City ranks #40 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 84% of state cities) and #4229 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.