Water Quality in Red Feather Lakes, CO: 15 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Red Feather Lakes'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
Available EPA records for Red Feather Lakes, CO: 15 water compliance violations tied to local public water systems.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Red Feather Lakes
Water quality varies across Red Feather Lakes's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80545 | C | 61 | 15 | 9 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Red Feather Lakes.
Water Quality Overview
Red Feather Lakes, Colorado receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 61 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Red Feather Lakes have accumulated 15 EPA violations, including 9 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 90 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Red Feather Lakes'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 Red Feather Lakes water systems is 0.0025 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 55% of homes built before 1986, Red Feather Lakes 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
Red Feather Lakes 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 Red Feather Lakes
Red Feather Lakes is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 90 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 Red Feather Lakes. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Red Feather Lakes
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 Red Feather Lakes Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Red Feather Lakes's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 9 | 1 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 3 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Total Coliform | 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 Red Feather Lakes:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 4 | 4 |
Violations have increased from 2 in 2021 to 4 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Red Feather Lakes. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-11-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-08 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-08 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-11-07.
Red Feather Lakes vs. Nearby Colorado Cities
How Red Feather Lakes's water quality compares to similar cities in Colorado:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Feather Lakes | C | 15 | 1 | 90 |
| Placerville | C | 31 | 2 | 84 |
| Arapahoe | C | 4 | 1 | 99 |
| Garcia | B | 7 | 1 | 100 |
Common Questions About Red Feather Lakes Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado:
Is Red Feather Lakes water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Red Feather Lakes's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Red Feather Lakes tap water? Red Feather Lakes's water receives a grade of C (61/100). There are 9 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Red Feather Lakes? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Red Feather Lakes vs. Colorado Average
Understanding how Red Feather Lakes 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 Red Feather Lakes.
ZIP Codes in Red Feather Lakes
Red Feather Lakes spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 80545. 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.