Is Oak Creek, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Oak Creek, CO — Water Quality Report
Oak Creek's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,750 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 132 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oak Creek's water
Oak Creek ranks #177 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below 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.
As a small community water system, Oak Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 77 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oak Creek, CO water safe to drink?
Oak Creek's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,750 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Oak Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oak Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
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 Oak Creek's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oak Creek's water system has 132 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 77 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Routt County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Yampa River Above Stagecoach Reservoir, Yampa River Below Stagecoach Reservoir.
Where does Oak Creek's water come from?
Oak Creek's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,750 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Yampa River Above Stagecoach Reservoir (river), Yampa River Below Stagecoach Reservoir (river).
What Oak Creek residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oak Creek'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
D4 — exceptional droughtRoutt County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% 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
Routt County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oak Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Oak Creek ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oak Creek's water comes from
Oak Creek'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 1,750 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Oak Creek
Oak Creek 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 Oak Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAK CREEK TOWN OF | CO0154566 | 950 | SW |
| MORRISON CREEK METRO DISTRICT | CO0154518 | 800 | GW |
How Oak Creek compares
Full Colorado rankings →Oak Creek's score of 49/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Oak Creek, CO
Wikipedia →Oak Creek is a Statutory Town in Routt County, Colorado, United States. The population was 889 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oak Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Routt
Frequently asked questions
Is Oak Creek, CO tap water safe to drink?
Oak Creek's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #177 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Oak Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 132 violations are on record.
How is Oak Creek'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 Oak Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oak Creek's water come from?
Oak Creek's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,750 residents.
What health violations has Oak Creek's water system had?
Oak Creek has 28 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. 21 violations remain unresolved.
How does Oak Creek's water compare to other cities?
Oak Creek ranks #177 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 28% of state cities) and #13356 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.