Is Pine Bluffs, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Pine Bluffs, CO — Water Quality Report
Pine Bluffs's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,186 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 193 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pine Bluffs's water
Pine Bluffs ranks #165 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Pine Bluffs 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, Pine Bluffs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 100 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pine Bluffs, CO water safe to drink?
Pine Bluffs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,186 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pine Bluffs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pine Bluffs's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Xylenes, Total.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4145). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3365). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pine Bluffs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pine Bluffs's water system has 193 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 100 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Larimer County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Cache La Poudre River, Cache La Poudre Riv Ab Boxelder Crk Nr Timnath.
Where does Pine Bluffs's water come from?
Pine Bluffs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,186 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cache La Poudre River (river), Cache La Poudre Riv Ab Boxelder Crk Nr Timnath (river).
What Pine Bluffs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pine Bluffs'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.
Pine Bluffs'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
Flood & disaster history
Larimer County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pine Bluffs compares by contaminant
Explore where Pine Bluffs ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pine Bluffs's water comes from
Pine Bluffs'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 1,186 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pine Bluffs
Pine Bluffs is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pine Bluffs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINE BLUFFS, TOWN OF | WY5600040 | 1,186 | GW |
How Pine Bluffs compares
Full Colorado rankings →Pine Bluffs's score of 50/100 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 Pine Bluffs, CO
Wikipedia →Fort Collins is a home rule city in Larimer County, Colorado, United States, and serves as the county seat and most populous municipality of the county. It is the fourth-most populous city in Colorado with a population of 169,810 at the 2020 census, while the Fort Collins, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area has an estimated 375,000 residents.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pine Bluffs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Laramie
Frequently asked questions
Is Pine Bluffs, CO tap water safe to drink?
Pine Bluffs's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #165 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Pine Bluffs's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 193 violations are on record.
How is Pine Bluffs'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 Pine Bluffs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pine Bluffs's water come from?
Pine Bluffs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,186 residents.
What health violations has Pine Bluffs's water system had?
Pine Bluffs has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pine Bluffs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pine Bluffs 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 193 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 Pine Bluffs's water compare to other cities?
Pine Bluffs ranks #165 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 33% of state cities) and #13156 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pine Bluffs's small water system affect quality?
Pine Bluffs's system serves approximately 1,186 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 193 violations on record.