Is Las Animas, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.8/100
waterverge.com Las Animas, CO — Water Quality Report
Las Animas's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,439 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 38 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Las Animas's water
Las Animas ranks #74 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Las Animas 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, Las Animas may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Las Animas, CO water safe to drink?
Las Animas's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,439 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Las Animas
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Las Animas's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.8/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Xylenes, Total.
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 Las Animas's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Las Animas's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bent 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. Local water sources include Arkansas River, Purgatoire River.
Where does Las Animas's water come from?
Las Animas's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,439 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas River (river), Purgatoire River (river).
What Las Animas residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Las Animas'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBent 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
Bent 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.
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 Las Animas compares by contaminant
Explore where Las Animas ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Las Animas's water comes from
Las Animas'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 2,439 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Las Animas
Las Animas is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Las Animas
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAS ANIMAS CITY OF | CO0106300 | 2,139 | GW |
| FORT LYON | CO0106900 | 300 | GW |
How Las Animas compares
Full Colorado rankings →Las Animas's score of 81.8/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Las Animas, CO
Wikipedia →Las Animas is the statutory city that is the county seat of, the most populous community in, and the only incorporated municipality in Bent County, Colorado, United States. The city's population was 2,300 at the 2020 United States census. Las Animas is located on the Arkansas River, just west of its confluence with the Purgatoire River, in southeast Colorado east of Pueblo, near the historic Bent's Fort.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Las Animas's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bent
Frequently asked questions
Is Las Animas, CO tap water safe to drink?
Las Animas's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #74 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Las Animas's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Las Animas'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 Las Animas?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Las Animas's water come from?
Las Animas's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,439 residents.
What health violations has Las Animas's water system had?
Las Animas has 6 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Las Animas's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Las Animas 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 38 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 Las Animas's water compare to other cities?
Las Animas ranks #74 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 70% of state cities) and #7307 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.