Crestone, CO: 1 Health Violation — 76/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current CO EPA data, Crestone's tap water sits in the high-safety tier.
How Crestone Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Crestone Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 5 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0076 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 26% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.16 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Crestone
Structurally, Crestone, CO's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 2 water systems in the area, with 2 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Crestone, Colorado (population ~1,059), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 2,299 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Crestone: B (76/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Crestone water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0076 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 2 | 1 |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81131 | B | 5 | 1 | Baca Grande Water Supply District |
All ZIP Codes in Crestone
- 81131 [B] — 5 violations ⚠
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Crestone
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Top Contaminants in Crestone Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Crestone
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
A post-1986 majority in Crestone's housing inventory — median build year 1993 — generally signals lower aggregate plumbing-era lead risk.
Most homes in Crestone were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Crestone Homeowners
For most homeowners in Crestone, the estimated cost of water and safety remediation represents a proportionally modest share of what properties are worth — placing this area in the lower tier of the remediation share scale.
Remediation costs in Crestone are relatively low compared to home values. The $950–$3,200 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 24% below the Colorado average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Crestone
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
In Crestone, the older-stock footprint runs at 26% — a contained slice — and aggregate utility readings land safely under the EPA action mark. That keeps lead off the local priority list, with a one-faucet draw remaining the only direct read on a specific address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Crestone
While some flood zone mapping exists for Crestone, NFIP claim volume remains modest, signaling that flood events have not materially stressed local water infrastructure in the program's tracking period.
Crestone has a relatively low flood history with 1 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,900</strong> remediation cost per household.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Crestone, CO