Is Woody Creek, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50.5/100
waterverge.com Woody Creek, CO — Water Quality Report
Woody Creek's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 544 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 277 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Woody Creek's water
Woody Creek ranks #161 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Woody Creek 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, Woody Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 40 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Woody Creek, CO water safe to drink?
Woody Creek's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 544 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Woody Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Woody Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Woody Creek's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Woody Creek's water system has 277 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 40 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pitkin County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Roaring Fork River Ab Difficult C Nr Aspen, Co., Roaring Fork River, Hunter Creek, Maroon Creek, Fryingpan River.
Where does Woody Creek's water come from?
Woody Creek's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 544 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Roaring Fork River Ab Difficult C Nr Aspen, Co. (river), Roaring Fork River (river), Hunter Creek (river), Maroon Creek (river), Fryingpan River (river).
What Woody Creek residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Woody Creek'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.
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 droughtPitkin County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% 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
Pitkin County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Woody Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Woody Creek ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Woody Creek's water comes from
Woody Creek'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 private ownership and serves approximately 544 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Woody Creek
Woody Creek is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Woody Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WJ METRO DISTRICT | CO0149844 | 324 | GU |
| WOODY CREEK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT | CO0149852 | 220 | GW |
How Woody Creek compares
Full Colorado rankings →Woody Creek's score of 50.5/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Woody Creek, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Woody Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pitkin
Frequently asked questions
Is Woody Creek, CO tap water safe to drink?
Woody Creek's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #161 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Woody Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 277 violations are on record.
How is Woody Creek'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 Woody Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Woody Creek's water come from?
Woody Creek's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 544 residents.
What health violations has Woody Creek's water system had?
Woody Creek has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Woody Creek's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Woody Creek 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 277 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 Woody Creek's water compare to other cities?
Woody Creek ranks #161 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 35% of state cities) and #13006 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.