Water Quality: Bayfield, CO
10 water systems • 5,993 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Bayfield is served by 10 public water systems with a combined service population of 5,993 people, and has 240 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 20 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Bayfield's violation count is 76% above the national average for Colorado. Contaminants associated with violations include Chlorine, E. coli, Fecal Coliform, Gross Alpha.
Contaminants Found
Eye and nose irritation at high levels; long-term exposure above the MCL may cause liver and kidney damage.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant added to kill harmful microorganisms
EPA limit: 4.0 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level)
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Indicates direct fecal contamination; associated with diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and potential severe illness.
Common source: Human and animal fecal waste
EPA limit: Zero tolerance (any positive triggers violations)
Alpha-emitting radioactive particles increase cancer risk, particularly from bone and other internal cancers.
Common source: Natural uranium and radium in geological formations
EPA limit: 15 pCi/L (excluding radon and uranium)
Water Systems Serving Bayfield
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAYFIELD TOWN OF | CO0134030 | Surface Water | 2,300 | 4 |
| FOREST LAKES MD | CO0134360 | Groundwater | 1,699 | 3 |
| PIEDRA PARK MD | CO0104700 | Surface Water | 850 | 20 |
| HOMESTEAD TRAILS | CO0134809 | Groundwater | 258 | 2 |
| FLORIDA RIVER ESTATES HOA INC | CO0134300 | Surface Water | 239 | 18 |
| HAPPY SCENES WS INC | CO0234390 | Groundwater | 209 | 5 |
| MOUNTAIN MAN WATER SERVICE | CO0134516 | Surface Water | 200 | 1 |
| LIGHTNER CREEK MHP | CO0134570 | Groundwater | 90 | 40 |
| FREEMAN CREEK | CO0234388 | Surface Water | 88 | 117 |
| HEARTWOOD CO OP HOUSING | CO0134338 | Groundwater | 60 | 30 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Colorado
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.