Red Feather Lakes, CO: 9 Health Violations — 61/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
The systems supplying Red Feather Lakes vary in performance across CO benchmarks — most meet minimum federal standards, but documented violations in select areas are on record.
How Red Feather Lakes Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Red Feather Lakes Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 15 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0025 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 55% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.89.
Who Supplies Your Water in Red Feather Lakes
Most residential addresses in Red Feather Lakes, CO are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 913 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 9 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Red Feather Lakes: C (61/100)
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
Red Feather Lakes water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0025 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 18 | 1 |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 6 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80545 | C | 15 | 9 | Shambhala Mountain Center |
All ZIP Codes in Red Feather Lakes
- 80545 [C] — 15 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 Red Feather Lakes
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 Red Feather Lakes Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Red Feather Lakes
With 55% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Red Feather Lakes is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1970 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Red Feather Lakes were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Red Feather Lakes Homeowners
In Red Feather Lakes, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Red Feather Lakes are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,900–$4,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% below the Colorado average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Red Feather Lakes
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.
Practically, the structural drivers in Red Feather Lakes — 55% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark — make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Red Feather Lakes
FEMA data shows 100% of Red Feather Lakes's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 1 claim. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Red Feather Lakes has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $10,004 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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>$3,000</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Red Feather Lakes
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Fecal Coliform can reduce the most common contaminant found in Red Feather Lakes's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 55% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Red Feather Lakes, CO