Water Quality in Paonia, CO: 39 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 58/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Paonia's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Looking at EPA compliance data for Paonia, CO, the record shows 39 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Paonia
Water quality varies across Paonia's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81428 | C | 58 | 39 | 12 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Paonia.
Water Quality Overview
Paonia, Colorado receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 58 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Paonia have accumulated 39 EPA violations, including 12 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 3,564 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Paonia'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 Paonia water systems is 0.0012 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 67% of homes built before 1986, Paonia 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
Paonia 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 Paonia
Paonia is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 3,564 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 Paonia. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Paonia
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 Paonia Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Paonia's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 16 | 1 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 11 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 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 Paonia:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 | 4 |
| 2023 | 6 | 6 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 2 in 2021 to 1 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Paonia. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-04 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-30 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-03-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-04 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-26 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-05.
Paonia vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
How Paonia's water quality compares to similar cities in Colorado:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paonia | C | 39 | 5 | 3,564 |
| Hudson | C | 12 | 2 | 3,500 |
| Cripple Creek | C | 4 | 2 | 3,491 |
| Hotchkiss | C | 92 | 5 | 3,653 |
Common Questions About Paonia Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Paonia, Colorado:
Is Paonia water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Paonia's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Paonia tap water? Paonia's water receives a grade of C (58/100). There are 12 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Paonia? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Paonia vs. Colorado Average
Understanding how Paonia 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 Paonia.
ZIP Codes in Paonia
Paonia spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 81428. 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.