Is Lyons, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Lyons, CO — Water Quality Report
Lyons's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,735 residents using purchased surface water.
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 116 violations on record, including 61 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lyons's water
Lyons ranks #203 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.
The system has seen 39 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lyons, CO water safe to drink?
Lyons's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,735 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lyons
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lyons's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4229). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4145). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lyons'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
Lyons's water system has 116 total violations on record, including 61 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 39 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Boulder County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Left Hand Creek.
Where does Lyons's water come from?
Lyons's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,735 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Left Hand Creek (river).
What Lyons residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lyons'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.
Lyons'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 Lyons
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lyons, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL INC LONGMONT, CO80503 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
CIRCLE GRAPHICS INC LONGMONT, CO80501 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
MATHESON TRIGAS LONGMONT CO BRANCH LONGMONT, CO80501 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
CEMEX CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS SOUTH LLC LONGMONT, CO80503 | — | — | 2.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtBoulder County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 0.0% 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
Boulder County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lyons'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. | 3.32 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lyons compares by contaminant
Explore where Lyons ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lyons's water comes from
Lyons'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 3,735 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lyons
Lyons is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Lyons
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LYONS TOWN OF | CO0107496 | 2,990 | SWP |
| PINEWOOD SPRINGS WD | CO0135610 | 745 | SW |
How Lyons compares
Full Colorado rankings →Lyons's score of 45/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Lyons, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lyons's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Boulder
Frequently asked questions
Is Lyons, CO tap water safe to drink?
Lyons's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #203 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Lyons's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 116 violations are on record.
How is Lyons'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 Lyons?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lyons's water come from?
Lyons's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,735 residents.
What health violations has Lyons's water system had?
Lyons has 61 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
How does Lyons's water compare to other cities?
Lyons ranks #203 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 17% of state cities) and #14251 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.