Is Mount Crested Butte, 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 ↓
86.2/100
waterverge.com Mount Crested Butte, CO — Water Quality Report
Mount Crested Butte's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,546 residents using 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 38 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mount Crested Butte's water
Mount Crested Butte ranks #51 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it above average 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mount Crested Butte, CO water safe to drink?
Mount Crested Butte's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,546 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mount Crested Butte
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mount Crested Butte's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.2/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Mount Crested Butte'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
Mount Crested Butte's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gunnison County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Coal Creek Above Elk Creek, Elk Creek, Coal Creek, East River Below Cement Creek Nr Crested Butte, East River Number 1 Ditch Flume 2.
Where does Mount Crested Butte's water come from?
Mount Crested Butte's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,546 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Coal Creek Above Elk Creek (river), Elk Creek (river), Coal Creek (river), East River Below Cement Creek Nr Crested Butte (river), East River Number 1 Ditch Flume 2 (stream).
What Mount Crested Butte residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mount Crested Butte'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.
Mount Crested Butte'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Mount Crested Butte
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.
- STANDARD MINE6.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtGunnison County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 15.2% 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
Gunnison County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mount Crested Butte'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. | 1.79 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mount Crested Butte compares by contaminant
Explore where Mount Crested Butte ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mount Crested Butte's water comes from
Mount Crested Butte'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 3,546 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mount Crested Butte
Mount Crested Butte is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mount Crested Butte
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNT CRESTED BUTTE WSD | CO0126190 | 3,296 | SW |
| MERIDIAN LAKE PARK | CO0126505 | 250 | SW |
How Mount Crested Butte compares
Full Colorado rankings →Mount Crested Butte's score of 86.2/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Mount Crested Butte, CO
Wikipedia →Mt. Crested Butte is a home rule municipality in Gunnison County, Colorado, United States. Mount Crested Butte is the home of the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The population was 941 at the 2020 census. ZIP code 81225 serves post office boxes for Mount Crested Butte and for neighboring Crested Butte; mail must be addressed to Crested Butte.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mount Crested Butte's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gunnison
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Crested Butte, CO tap water safe to drink?
Mount Crested Butte's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #51 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Mount Crested Butte's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Mount Crested Butte'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 Mount Crested Butte?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mount Crested Butte's water come from?
Mount Crested Butte's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,546 residents.
How does Mount Crested Butte's water compare to other cities?
Mount Crested Butte ranks #51 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 79% of state cities) and #4848 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.