Is Ranchester, WY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.2/100
waterverge.com Ranchester, WY — Water Quality Report
Ranchester's drinking water received a grade of A (90.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,297 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 9 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ranchester's water
Ranchester ranks #5 out of 65 cities in Wyoming for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Ranchester may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ranchester, WY water safe to drink?
Ranchester's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,297 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ranchester
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ranchester's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.2/100).
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-557). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ranchester's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ranchester's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sheridan County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 1978. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Ranchester's water come from?
Ranchester's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,297 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Ranchester residents can do
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
D2 — severe droughtSheridan County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Sheridan County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 1978. 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 Ranchester compares by contaminant
Explore where Ranchester ranks among all Wyoming cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ranchester's water comes from
Ranchester'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 1,297 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Ranchester
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RANCHESTER, TOWN OF | WY5600044 | 1,297 | SW |
How Ranchester compares
Full Wyoming rankings →Ranchester's score of 90.2/100 is above the average of 55/100 among major Wyoming cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wyoming rankings →About Ranchester, WY
Wikipedia →Ranchester is a town in Sheridan County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 1,064 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ranchester's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sheridan
Frequently asked questions
Is Ranchester, WY tap water safe to drink?
Ranchester's water quality earned a grade of A (90.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #5 out of 65 cities tested in Wyoming.
What contaminants are in Ranchester's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Ranchester'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 Ranchester?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ranchester's water come from?
Ranchester's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,297 residents.
What health violations has Ranchester's water system had?
Ranchester has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2010. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ranchester's water compare to other cities?
Ranchester ranks #5 out of 65 cities in Wyoming (better than 92% of state cities) and #2371 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ranchester's small water system affect quality?
Ranchester's system serves approximately 1,297 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 9 violations on record.