Otero County Water Quality: 47 Violations (CO)
5 water systems · 5 ZIP codes · Home Safety Score Unavailable · 0 of 6 tracked ZIP records scored · Updated
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO Last verified:
Violation Trend
EPA violations across water systems in Otero County.
Concerned about water quality in Otero County?
Get connected with a certified testing service.
Find the Right Filter →Water Quality Overview
Otero County has 5 community water systems across 5 directly mapped ZIP records. The systems report serving approximately 23,680 people. The available records contain 47 EPA violations, including 27 health-based violations.
Health-based violations account for 57% of all violations in Otero County. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose direct risks to human health.
Violation Breakdown
| Violation Type | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Health-based | 27 | 57.4% |
| Monitoring/Reporting | 20 | 42.6% |
| Total | 47 | 100% |
Health-based violations indicate contaminant levels exceeding EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Monitoring violations indicate failures to test or report.
Cities with Most Violations
| Rank | City | Violations | Health-Based | ZIP Codes | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | La Junta | 31 | 21 | 1 | 9,774 |
| 2 | Fowler | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1,686 |
| 3 | Manzanola | 8 | 3 | 1 | 967 |
Violation Trend
Year-by-year EPA violations across water systems in Otero County:
| Year | Total | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 | 12 |
| 2025 | 37 | 37 |
Most Common Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 28 | 1 | Yes |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 8 | 2 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 4 | 2 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 3 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 2 | 2 | No |
Water Data and the Home Safety Score
This page reports EPA water-system facts without converting the broader Home Safety Score into a drinking-water grade. The county Home Safety grade (unavailable) is a separate multi-source index that also requires PFAS screening, radon, and annual air-quality evidence. Check each ZIP report for the versioned score and its component coverage.
Water Systems in Otero County
Otero County is served by 5 community water systems, averaging 0.8 systems per ZIP code. Each system is independently regulated and tested by the EPA. Larger systems serving more people typically have more extensive monitoring requirements.
Water systems in Otero County source water from a mix of surface water (rivers, reservoirs) and groundwater (wells, aquifers). Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be detected.
How to Check Your Water in Otero County
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup for detailed water-system data including contaminant levels and violation history; the Home Safety Score is shown separately with its model version
Request your CCR — every water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report
Get a home test — certified kits ($20-$50) or professional lab tests ($150-$400) can detect contaminants not covered by routine testing
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can address specific contaminants found in your area
Check for lead — homes built before 1986 should test for lead regardless of utility compliance
EPA Enforcement
The EPA and state regulators have taken 47 enforcement actions against water systems in Otero County. Enforcement actions range from compliance assistance and administrative orders to formal penalties. Systems under enforcement are required to remediate violations and may face ongoing monitoring requirements.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO
Source publication schedules vary. See the page source and verification fields for available timing evidence.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Otero County
Water quality varies across Otero County's 5 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
What are EPA health violations?
Health-based violations mean a contaminant was detected above the EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - the legal limit designed to protect human health. Otero County has 27 such violations. Not all violations cause illness, but repeated exceedances increase risk, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals.
Water facts and the Home Safety Score
This page reports water evidence separately. A broader Home Safety Score is not published here unless the versioned model identity and complete required component coverage are available.
Not sure if your water needs a filter?
Our free tool matches your ZIP code data to the right filtration system - based on actual contaminants detected in your area.
Find the Right Filter →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe in Otero County, Colorado?
Otero County has 5 community water systems with 47 recorded EPA violations, including 27 health-based. Water quality varies by ZIP code - check your specific location for detailed results.
How many water violations does Otero County have?
Otero County has 47 total EPA violations across 5 directly mapped ZIP records. 27 are health-based.
Which city in Otero County has the most water violations?
La Junta has the most violations in Otero County with 31 recorded EPA violations across 1 ZIP code.
What contaminants are found in Otero County water?
Otero County water systems are monitored for over 90 EPA-regulated contaminants including lead, copper, nitrates, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria. Check your ZIP code for contaminant-specific data.
How can I test my water in Otero County?
Contact your local water utility for free or low-cost testing. You can also use a certified home test kit ($20-$50) or hire a certified lab ($150-$400).