Steamboat Springs, CO: 24 Health Violations — 69/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
Although much of Steamboat Springs meets baseline drinking water standards, some CO-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How Steamboat Springs Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
What You Should Know About Steamboat Springs Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 150 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0043 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.39.
Who Supplies Your Water in Steamboat Springs
5 water systems are tracked federally in Steamboat Springs, CO. The top 3 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Steamboat Springs, Colorado (population ~18,378), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 28,847 people region-wide.
3 of 3 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 24 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Steamboat Springs: C (69/100)
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
Steamboat Springs water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0043 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | 40 | 3 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 36 | 3 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 32 | 3 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 32 | 3 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 16 | 3 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80477 | B | 50 | 8 | Mt Werner Water District |
| 80487 | C | 50 | 8 | City of Steamboat Springs |
| 80488 | C | 50 | 8 | Mt Werner Water District |
All ZIP Codes in Steamboat Springs
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 Steamboat Springs
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 Steamboat Springs Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Steamboat Springs Homeowners
Property equity in Steamboat Springs runs well ahead of estimated remediation costs — a cost-to-value ratio that sits in the low tier, meaning documented water and safety issues here are the kind homeowners can plan to address without treating the expense as a significant budget event relative to what their homes are worth.
Remediation costs in Steamboat Springs are relatively low compared to home values. The $833–$3,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 102% above the Colorado average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Steamboat Springs
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.
Lead risk in Steamboat Springs appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Steamboat Springs
Flood exposure in Steamboat Springs is meaningful by NFIP measures — 32 claims on record and 67% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Steamboat Springs has a moderate flood history with 32 FEMA claims averaging $13,084 per payout. 67% 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>$1,800</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 Steamboat Springs
- 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 E. coli can reduce the most common contaminant found in Steamboat Springs's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Steamboat Springs, CO