Water Quality in La Veta, CO: 31 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 53/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
La Veta's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
SDWIS records for La Veta, CO show 31 EPA violations documented for the local water supply — these span the full range of reportable events from health-based exceedances to monitoring and reporting lapses registered with the federal program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in La Veta
Water quality varies across La Veta's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81055 | D | 53 | 31 | 11 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving La Veta.
Water Quality Overview
La Veta, Colorado receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 53 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving La Veta have accumulated 31 EPA violations, including 11 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,325 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. La Veta's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across La Veta water systems is 0.0030 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 64% of homes built before 1986, La Veta has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
La Veta 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 La Veta
La Veta is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,325 people across 1 ZIP codes.
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 La Veta. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in La Veta
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 La Veta Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across La Veta's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 8 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 6 | 1 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 4 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
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 La Veta:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 5 | 5 |
| 2024 | 3 | 3 |
Violations have increased from 2 in 2021 to 3 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving La Veta. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-02-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-31 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-31 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-01-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-08 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-01-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-23 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-12-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-02-06.
La Veta vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
How La Veta's water quality compares to similar cities in Colorado:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Veta | D | 31 | 3 | 1,325 |
| Battlement Mesa | D | 0 | 1 | 1,320 |
| Calhan | C | 7 | 4 | 1,317 |
| Crowley | D | 0 | 1 | 1,300 |
Common Questions About La Veta Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in La Veta, Colorado:
Is La Veta water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. La Veta's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink La Veta tap water? La Veta's water receives a grade of D (53/100). There are 11 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for La Veta? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
La Veta vs. Colorado Average
Understanding how La Veta 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 La Veta.
ZIP Codes in La Veta
La Veta spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 81055. 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.