ZIP Code 81326 Water Quality & Testing Report
Hesperus, CO · La Plata County County · Updated for 2026
Compiled & verified by Sahajul Haque from official EPA SDWIS recordsIs Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 81326 (Hesperus, CO)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 81326 (Hesperus, CO) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of D (46/100) due to 0 health violation(s) and 0 ppb lead. While treated by Lake Durango Water Authority, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
Water Safety Grade
Poor — Multiple violations recorded
Health Violations
0
Total Violations
9
Lead Risk
Moderate
Contaminants
0
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 81326
Tap water in ZIP code 81326 (Hesperus, CO) is distributed by Lake Durango Water Authority (EPA ID: CO0134530), serving approximately 1,577 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of D with a composite quality score of 46/100.
Water System
Lake Durango Water Authority
EPA ID: CO0134530
Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
1,577 residents
County
La Plata County County, Colorado
Lead Levels in ZIP 81326
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Data Not Available
Lead exposure risk in 81326 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 32% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 81326 is Very Hard (194 mg/L / 11.3 GPG). High concentrations of dissolved limestone minerals cause severe mineral buildup, stiff laundry, dry skin, and premature water heater wear.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Interactive Water Safety & Filter Matcher
Personalized for ZIP 81326 (Hesperus, CO)
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: Lake Durango Water Authority · PWSID: CO0134530
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
Lake Durango Water Authority has recorded 9 violations, but none are health-based (e.g., administrative or monitoring infractions). 3 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated High based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 81326 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
⚖ Enforcement Actions
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Surface Water
This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.
Highest potential
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 81326
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 81326 served by Lake Durango Water Authority can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 81326 Recommendations
Serious water quality concerns — action recommended
- 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
- 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
- 🚨 Contact Lake Durango Water Authority to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
- 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
- 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab
Recommended Water Treatment Systems:
NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter
Certified to remove lead. Recommended for immediate protection.
NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System
Reverse Osmosis system certified to remove PFAS, heavy metals, and viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 81326 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 81326?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 81326 (Hesperus, CO)?+
How hard is the tap water in 81326?+
Should I test private well water in 81326?+
What is the lead level in 81326 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 81326?+
Who provides tap water to 81326?+
What water filter should I use in 81326?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 81326 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Lake Durango Water Authority. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →