Loading water data...
Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 8 cities in Utah
Mostly yes. None of the 7 Utah water systems we grade from EPA records has a health-based violation in the last five years, and the state averages 93/100 (5 above the national 88). Lead from a home's own plumbing is the risk city data cannot see.
Utah's official certified-lab list, when to test well vs city water, typical lab prices, and how to take a first-draw lead sample.
Across the 7 Utah water systems we can grade from EPA records, the average score is 93/100 — 5 points above the U.S. national average of 88/100. 71% of graded Utah cities (5 of 7) score above that national benchmark, and 5 earn a Grade A. None has a health-based EPA violation in the last five years. 1 city is not graded because we have not yet matched it to an EPA water system.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Utah water systems are arsenic (naturally occurring in groundwater), total dissolved solids and hardness and nitrates (agricultural areas). See the full breakdown in our Utah water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Utah
98,129 residents
87,267 residents
116,288 residents
117,025 residents
99,750 residents
105,240 residents
383,612 residents
135,000 residents
No EPA water-system match yet — no score.
Utah's water quality is generally good, supplied by Wasatch and Uinta mountain snowmelt, but the arid state faces challenges from naturally occurring arsenic, high mineral content, and the concentration of contaminants in a limited water supply. Rapid Wasatch Front growth puts additional pressure on both supply and quality.
Across the 7 Utah cities graded from EPA records, the average water quality score is 93/100. The highest-rated city is Orem with a score of 100/100, while Salt Lake City has the most room for improvement at 84/100.
Utah cities average 93/100, but contaminants still vary at the tap and lead can leach from your own household plumbing after the water arrives. A certified filter removes trace contaminants and improves taste — here are two proven picks.
APEC ROES-50 Reverse Osmosis
Removes 95–99% of lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride and PFAS — the widest range of any filter type. The right choice if any city near you flags these.
Check Price on AmazonZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher
NSF 53 certified to reduce lead, chromium & dissolved solids — no installation, the cheapest way to start filtering today (great for renters).
Check Price on AmazonWe may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
The Wasatch Front cities of Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden draw from mountain reservoirs, canyon streams, and groundwater fed by snowmelt. Rural and southern Utah communities depend more on groundwater and the Colorado River system, where arsenic and total dissolved solids can be elevated.
These contaminants have been detected in various Utah water systems
The Utah Division of Drinking Water regulates public systems under federal EPA standards and manages source protection in a water-scarce environment. The state monitors arsenic closely given its prevalence in Utah groundwater and oversees radionuclide compliance in affected systems.
Naturally occurring arsenic is the most widespread health concern in Utah groundwater, with chronic exposure linked to cancer. Some aquifers carry elevated uranium and radium. High dissolved solids affect taste and plumbing across much of the state but are generally not a direct health risk.
Utah residents on private wells or small systems should test for arsenic, uranium, and nitrate. Reverse osmosis is highly effective against arsenic, uranium, and excess minerals and also improves the taste of high-TDS water. Wasatch Front municipal customers generally enjoy good water but should address lead plumbing in older homes.
Most Utah cities we grade have tap water in good standing with EPA. With an average score of 93/100 across 7 graded cities, Utah generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by utility, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Utah include arsenic (naturally occurring in groundwater), total dissolved solids and hardness, nitrates (agricultural areas). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. Most Utah cities have water that meets EPA standards, though some residents prefer additional filtration for taste or extra protection. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Utah are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Utah water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Utah. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Utah city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
On EPA records, Orem has the highest water quality score in Utah at 100/100 (Grade A). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Utah page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Utah are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area