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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 80511 Water Quality Report

Estes Park, CO · Larimer County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

6

Total Violations

44

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

2

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 80511

Tap water in ZIP code 80511 (Estes Park, CO) receives a C grade (score: 59/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from Estes Park Town of is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

Estes Park Town of

EPA ID: CO0135257

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

16,722 residents

County

Larimer County County, Colorado

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Lead Levels in ZIP 80511

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 1.4 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 80511 is 1.4 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.
Lead Level (90th percentile)
1.40 ppb (0.0014 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Unknown
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Estes Park Town of has recorded 6 health-based violations in the past 5 years — significantly above the national average. This volume of violations indicates serious and recurring compliance issues. Independent water testing and in-home filtration are strongly recommended. 3 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
44
Health-Based Violations
6
Unresolved Violations
3
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Estes Park Town of has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 2 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 80511: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), E. coli. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)E. coli

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Estes Park Town of — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 80511 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 80511 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 80511?+
Tap water in 80511 (Estes Park, CO) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 80511 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 80511 is 1.4 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Who provides tap water to 80511?+
Tap water in ZIP code 80511 is provided by Estes Park Town of (EPA ID: CO0135257). This system serves approximately 16,722 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 80511?+
ZIP code 80511 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 80511 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 3 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Estes Park Town of for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 80511?+
Your water utility — Estes Park Town of — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Estes Park Town of Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 80511?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 80511, with detected contaminants including Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) and E. coli, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 80511 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 80511 shows a lead level of 1.4 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 80511 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Estes Park Town of. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →