Is Monticello, UT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
33/100
waterverge.com Monticello, UT — Water Quality Report
Monticello's drinking water received a grade of F (33 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,733 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 49.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 826 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved.
What to know about Monticello's water
Monticello ranks #177 out of 177 cities in Utah 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Monticello may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 55 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Monticello, UT water safe to drink?
Monticello's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (33/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,733 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Monticello
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Monticello's water quality assessment. Grade: F (33/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Carbon tetrachloride, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3223). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Monticello's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Monticello's water system has 826 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved. 55 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
San Juan 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 South Creek Above Reservoir, Recapture Creek.
Where does Monticello's water come from?
Monticello's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,733 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include South Creek Above Reservoir (river), Recapture Creek (river).
What Monticello residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Monticello'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Monticello
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- MONTICELLO MILL TAILINGS USDOE0.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSan Juan 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
San Juan 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 Monticello'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. | 49.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Monticello compares by contaminant
Explore where Monticello ranks among all Utah cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Monticello's water comes from
Monticello'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 2,733 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Monticello
Monticello is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Monticello
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTICELLO CITY | UTAH19004 | 2,393 | SW |
| ROCKLAND RANCH | UTAH19077 | 175 | GW |
| EASTLAND SPECIAL SERVICE DISTRICT | UTAH19013 | 90 | GW |
| PACK CREEK WATER COMPANY | UTAH19064 | 75 | GW |
How Monticello compares
Full Utah rankings →Monticello's score of 33/100 is below the average of 50/100 among major Utah cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Utah rankings →About Monticello, UT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Monticello's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Juan
Frequently asked questions
Is Monticello, UT tap water safe to drink?
Monticello's water quality earned a grade of F (33/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #177 out of 177 cities tested in Utah.
What contaminants are in Monticello's water?
Lead was measured at 49.0 ppb (90th percentile). 826 violations are on record.
How is Monticello'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 Monticello?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Monticello's water come from?
Monticello's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,733 residents.
What health violations has Monticello's water system had?
Monticello has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 34 violations remain unresolved.
How does Monticello's water compare to other cities?
Monticello ranks #177 out of 177 cities in Utah (better than 0% of state cities) and #15619 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.