Water Quality: Telluride, CO
5 water systems • 8,830 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Telluride is served by 5 public water systems with a combined service population of 8,830 people, and has 388 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 23 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Telluride's violation count is 185% above the national average for Colorado. Contaminants associated with violations include Barium, Chlorine, Disinfection Byproducts, Fecal Coliform.
Contaminants Found
Increases blood pressure and causes cardiovascular effects with long-term exposure.
Common source: Natural rock deposits, oil drilling operations, coal power plant waste
EPA limit: 2 mg/L
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)
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
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)
Water Systems Serving Telluride
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TELLURIDE TOWN OF | CO0157800 | Surface Water | 7,900 | 89 |
| ALDASORO RANCH HOC | CO0157011 | Groundwater | 412 | 132 |
| WILSON MESA | CO0157950 | Surface Water | 290 | 81 |
| SAN BERNARDO HOA | CO0157701 | Groundwater | 132 | 78 |
| LAST DOLLAR PUD | CO0157300 | Groundwater | 96 | 8 |
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.