Is Tabernash, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
91.3/100
waterverge.com Tabernash, CO — Water Quality Report
Tabernash's drinking water received a grade of A (91.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 564 residents using groundwater.
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 35 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Tabernash's water
Tabernash ranks #15 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Tabernash 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, Tabernash may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tabernash, CO water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Tabernash's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (91.3/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 564 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tabernash
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tabernash's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.3/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tabernash's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Tabernash's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Grand 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 Colorado River, Fraser River, Vasquez Creek, Elk Creek, St. Louis Creek.
Where does Tabernash's water come from?
Tabernash's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 564 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Colorado River (river), Fraser River (river), Vasquez Creek (river), Elk Creek (river), St. Louis Creek (river).
What Tabernash 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.
Tabernash'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Tabernash
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tabernash, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KILGORE DBA PEAK MAT - FRASER PLANTS FRASER, CO80442 | — | — | 1.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtGrand County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 98.3% 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
Grand 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Tabernash's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.600 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Tabernash compares by contaminant
Explore where Tabernash ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tabernash's water comes from
Tabernash'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 564 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Tabernash
Tabernash is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tabernash
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TABERNASH MEADOWS WSD | CO0125720 | 564 | GW |
How Tabernash compares
Full Colorado rankings →Tabernash's score of 91.3/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Tabernash, CO
Wikipedia →Tabernash is an unincorporated town, a post office, and a census-designated place (CDP) located in and governed by Grand County, Colorado, United States. The Tabernash post office has the ZIP Code 80478. At the United States Census 2020, the population of the Tabernash CDP was 401.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tabernash's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grand
Frequently asked questions
Is Tabernash, CO tap water safe to drink?
Tabernash's water quality earned a grade of A (91.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #15 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Tabernash's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Tabernash'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 Tabernash?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tabernash's water come from?
Tabernash's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 564 residents.
Is Tabernash's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tabernash 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 35 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 Tabernash's water compare to other cities?
Tabernash ranks #15 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 94% of state cities) and #1785 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Tabernash's small water system affect quality?
Tabernash's system serves approximately 564 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 35 violations on record.