Water system
Watonga
What this means for you
- Is it safe to drink right now?
- Based on the latest EPA data, Watonga has no unresolved health-based violations from the past year. Water that meets federal standards is generally considered safe to drink for most healthy people.
- Should I use a filter?
- It's worth considering. Watonga has a D because of its violation record over the past 5 years (4 health-based), even though nothing is flagged as unresolved in the last year. A filter matched to the contaminants in its violation history is a reasonable precaution.
- What kind of filter?
- See matched standards and product picks.
This is general information from public EPA data, not medical advice. Lead often comes from a home’s own pipes, so only a test of your tap can tell your exposure. If you are pregnant, caring for an infant, or have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor or health department.
PFAS (“forever chemicals”), EPA UCMR 5
No PFAS detected in any UCMR 5 sample.
5 PFAS tested and not detected
HFPO-DA, PFHxS, PFOA, PFNA, PFOS (4 samples each, below EPA minimum reporting levels).
Hazard Index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS): 0 (limit 1.0, proposed for repeal).
Averages are per sampling location across UCMR 5 samples (non-detects counted as 0), approximating the rule’s running annual average. Not an official compliance determination; PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance begins April 26, 2029.
Lithium (also tested in UCMR 5, not a PFAS; no federal limit): highest location average 15 ppb.
Lead and copper
Violations (last 5 years)
| Began | Type | Contaminant / rule | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-12 | Missed or late testing/reporting | E. COLI | Unaddressed |
| 2026-06-12 | Missed or late testing/reporting | E. COLI | Unaddressed |
| 2026-01-29 | Missed or late testing/reporting | E. COLI | Unaddressed |
| 2025-07-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Nitrate-Nitrite | Resolved |
| 2025-04-01 | Contaminant above legal limit | Nitrate-Nitrite | Archived |
| 2025-04-01 | Contaminant above legal limit | Nitrate-Nitrite | Archived |
| 2025-01-01 | Contaminant above legal limit | Nitrate-Nitrite | Archived |
| 2024-10-17 | Required treatment not done | LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS | Resolved |
| 2024-10-17 | Reporting problem | LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS | Resolved |
| 2023-10-02 | Other paperwork/notice violation | Consumer Confidence Rule | Resolved |
| 2022-10-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Nitrate-Nitrite | Resolved |
| 2021-10-28 | Missed or late testing/reporting | E. COLI | Resolved |
Filters matched to this water
Look for filters certified (NSF, IAPMO or WQA) to these standards for the specific contaminant. Buttons open the maker’s page or an Amazon search; use “Check NSF listing” to verify a model’s claims. No affiliate links yet — grades are never sold.
Nitrate
NSF/ANSI 58 (RO)Chlorine/chloramine taste
NSF/ANSI 42Annual water quality report
Utilities must publish a Consumer Confidence Report every year by July 1. Find it on the utility’s website or ask them directly; EPA explains how.