Is Ouray, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
57.4/100
waterverge.com Ouray, CO — Water Quality Report
Ouray's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,460 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 114 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ouray's water
Ouray ranks #150 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Ouray 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, Ouray may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 33 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ouray, CO water safe to drink?
Ouray's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,460 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ouray
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ouray's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.4/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane.
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 Ouray's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ouray's water system has 114 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved. 33 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ouray County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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 Uncompahgre River.
Where does Ouray's water come from?
Ouray's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,460 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Uncompahgre River (river).
What Ouray residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ouray'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.
Ouray'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 Ouray
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.
- BONITA PEAK MINING DISTRICT9.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtOuray 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
Ouray County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ouray compares by contaminant
Explore where Ouray ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ouray's water comes from
Ouray'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 1,460 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ouray
Ouray is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ouray
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OURAY CITY OF | CO0146588 | 1,460 | GU |
How Ouray compares
Full Colorado rankings →Ouray's score of 57.4/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Ouray, CO
Wikipedia →Ouray is a home rule municipality that is the county seat of Ouray County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 898 as of the 2020 census. The Ouray Post Office has the ZIP Code 81427. Located at an elevation of 7,792 feet (2,375 m), Ouray's climate, natural alpine environment, and scenery have earned it the nickname "Switzerland of America".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ouray's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ouray
Frequently asked questions
Is Ouray, CO tap water safe to drink?
Ouray's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #150 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Ouray's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 114 violations are on record.
How is Ouray'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 Ouray?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ouray's water come from?
Ouray's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,460 residents.
What health violations has Ouray's water system had?
Ouray has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ouray's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ouray 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 114 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 Ouray's water compare to other cities?
Ouray ranks #150 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 39% of state cities) and #12373 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ouray's small water system affect quality?
Ouray's system serves approximately 1,460 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 114 violations on record.