Water Quality in Fountain, CO: 13 Violations - Grade C
Grade C · Score 64/100 · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Fountain's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Federal EPA data for Fountain, CO shows 13 water compliance events in the record - the table below identifies system names and violation types.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Fountain
Fountain is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80817 | C | 64 | 13 | 1 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Fountain.
Water Quality Overview
Fountain, Colorado receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 64 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 7 water systems serving Fountain have accumulated 13 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP code serving approximately 31,101 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Fountain's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Fountain water systems is 0.0044 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Fountain is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Fountain
Fountain is served by 7 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 31,101 people across 1 ZIP code.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fountain. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Fountain
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Fountain Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Fountain's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 4 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Fountain:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 2 in 2025 to 1 in 2026, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fountain. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2026-02-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2026-02-06 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2026-02-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2026-02-04 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2026-01-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2026-01-26 | State Informal Action |
| 2026-01-26 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-12-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-12-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-11-25 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2026-02-06.
Fountain vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
How Fountain's water quality compares to similar cities in Colorado:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fountain | C | 13 | 7 | 31,101 |
| Canon City | C | 14 | 5 | 32,355 |
| Lafayette | C | 9 | 10 | 32,549 |
| Monument | C | 6 | 8 | 29,379 |
Common Questions About Fountain Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Fountain, Colorado:
Is Fountain water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Fountain's 7 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Fountain tap water? Fountain's water receives a grade of C (64/100). There are 1 health-based violation - consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Fountain? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Fountain vs. Colorado Average
Understanding how Fountain compares to the broader Colorado average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Fountain.
ZIP Codes in Fountain
Fountain spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 80817. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.