Wyoming Tap Water Quality Rankings 2026: 11th in Nation | WaterQ
Wyoming ranks 11th out of 50 states for drinking water quality, receiving an average score of 89 and a grade of B. Serving a population of 494,275 across 74 water systems, the state's public water supplies are generally reliable. However, regional industrial factors, low population density, and infrastructure challenges can still affect water safety at the local level.
Key Findings for Wyoming
Reviewing EPA SDWIS data for 2026, here's what defines Wyoming's water quality landscape:
- In parts of the Mountain West with active energy industries, such as oil, gas, and coal extraction, there is potential for local water tables to be influenced by industrial operations.
- Wyoming's low population density means many residents rely on smaller public water systems, which may face infrastructure monitoring challenges that contribute to the state's 2,035 recorded violations.
- Western geological features can naturally contribute mineral contaminants, such as arsenic, to groundwater sources supplying regional water systems.
Most Common Contaminants in Wyoming
Here's what Wyoming residents should know about the contaminants most relevant to their water:
Arsenic
This naturally occurring mineral is common in western geology and can dissolve from rock formations into underground drinking water aquifers.
Nitrate
Typically originating from agricultural runoff or rural septic systems, nitrates can leach into groundwater and require monitoring in rural communities.
Disinfection Byproducts
These compounds can form when disinfectants like chlorine react with naturally occurring organic matter during the treatment process.
Wyoming's Best and Worst Cities for Water Quality
For a detailed look at the water safety profiles of individual municipalities, please review the city-by-city breakdown on our Wyoming state page. These localized reports provide specific testing history and system compliance data. Explore the full breakdown on our Wyoming water systems page.
What Wyoming Residents Should Do
Given Wyoming's 11th place ranking, here's what matters most for residents:
- Search for your local water utility to review its annual Consumer Confidence Report.
- Test your water independently if you rely on a private well, as these systems are not regulated under federal standards.
- Check your water system's historical compliance and violation record with the EPA.
- Consider installing a certified water filter targeted to any specific contaminants flagged in your local water report.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Wyoming water quality compare to other states?
Wyoming ranks 11th out of 50 states for drinking water quality. With an average score of 89, the state receives an overall grade of B, placing it in the upper tier of states nationwide.
What are the most common contaminants in Wyoming tap water?
Common potential contaminants in Wyoming water supplies include naturally occurring arsenic from regional geology, nitrates from rural runoff, and disinfection byproducts from water treatment. Water systems test for these regularly to ensure compliance with safety limits.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Wyoming?
Drinking water in Wyoming is generally safe, as indicated by the state's overall grade of B. However, because the state's 74 public water systems have accumulated 2,035 violations, residents should check their local system's records for specific issues.
Source: EPA SDWIS 2026 Compliance Data and WaterQ National Database. For more information on our ranking process, visit our state rankings page.