Is Paonia, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 107 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
48.5/100
waterverge.com Paonia, CO — Water Quality Report
Paonia's drinking water received a grade of D (48.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 3,847 residents using ground water under influence.
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 561 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 107 remain unresolved.
What to know about Paonia's water
Paonia ranks #180 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Paonia 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.
The system has seen 143 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Paonia, CO water safe to drink?
Paonia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 3,847 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Paonia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Paonia's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Paonia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Paonia's water system has 561 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 107 remain unresolved. 143 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Delta 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 Hubbard Creek, North Fork Gunnison River Below Paonia, Leroux Creek Above Mouth.
Where does Paonia's water come from?
Paonia's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 3,847 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Hubbard Creek (river), North Fork Gunnison River Below Paonia (river), Leroux Creek Above Mouth (river).
What Paonia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Paonia'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.
Paonia'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
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtDelta County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 0.1% 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
Delta 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Paonia compares by contaminant
Explore where Paonia ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Paonia's water comes from
Paonia'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 3,847 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Paonia
Paonia is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Paonia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAONIA TOWN OF | CO0115601 | 2,499 | GU |
| BONE MESA DOMESTIC WD | CO0115152 | 400 | GU |
| PITKIN MESA PIPELINE CO | CO0115610 | 295 | GU |
| STEWART MESA WC | CO0115724 | 250 | GUP |
| HIDDEN VALLEY HOA WATER COMPANY | CO0115342 | 120 | SWP |
| MINNESOTA PIPELINE | CO0115513 | 72 | SWP |
| HAMMOND PIPELINE | CO0115340 | 70 | GUP |
| WEST PAONIA DOMESTIC WATER COMPANY | CO0115838 | 57 | SWP |
| SOUTH LAMBORN MESA WATER COMPANY | CO0115716 | 47 | SWP |
| WESTERN EXTENSION DOMESTIC WATER COMPANY | CO0115841 | 37 | SWP |
How Paonia compares
Full Colorado rankings →Paonia's score of 48.5/100 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 Paonia, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Paonia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Delta
Frequently asked questions
Is Paonia, CO tap water safe to drink?
Paonia's water quality earned a grade of D (48.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #180 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Paonia's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 561 violations are on record.
How is Paonia'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 Paonia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Paonia's water come from?
Paonia's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 3,847 residents.
What health violations has Paonia's water system had?
Paonia has 29 health-based violations 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. 107 violations remain unresolved.
Is Paonia's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Paonia 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 561 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 Paonia's water compare to other cities?
Paonia ranks #180 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 27% of state cities) and #13449 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.