Casper – Wyoming – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Casper Water provides comprehensive water services to approximately 80,000 residents across the greater Casper metropolitan area, including Natrona County and surrounding communities. As Wyoming’s second-largest city, Casper operates through the Central Wyoming Regional Water System, which encompasses a 39-million-gallon water treatment facility, 400 miles of water distribution lines, 15 water booster stations, and 23 water storage tanks that deliver an average of 12 million gallons of drinking water daily to central Wyoming’s energy capital.
Casper sources its drinking water from two primary sources: approximately 66% comes from groundwater pumped from the North Platte River alluvial aquifer via 29 wells, while 34% is surface water drawn directly from the North Platte River. Both sources originate from snowmelt in the upper North Platte River basin and undergo comprehensive treatment including ozone disinfection, chloramination, and corrosion inhibitors. Casper’s water consistently meets all federal and state quality standards, though the growing metropolitan area faces ongoing challenges with aging infrastructure, seasonal water restrictions, and emerging contaminants. The utility has implemented significant investments in water treatment technology, conservation programs, and infrastructure modernization to ensure sustainable water supply for Wyoming’s oil and gas industry hub.
Casper Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead and Copper Monitoring: The most recent comprehensive testing in 2023 showed that Casper Water remains in full compliance with EPA regulations for lead and copper in drinking water, with levels well below the federal action thresholds.
- Testing Scope: Casper conducts comprehensive water quality monitoring 24/7 with staff on duty year-round at the treatment facility, including extensive testing throughout the distribution network.
- Compliance Status: Casper’s water consistently meets all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining compliance with EPA and Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality regulations as confirmed in the 2024 water quality report.
Water Sources
- North Platte River Alluvial Aquifer: Primary source (approximately 66% of supply) accessed through 29 groundwater wells that tap into the extensive aquifer system beneath the North Platte River valley.
- North Platte River Surface Water: Secondary source (approximately 34% of supply) drawn directly from the North Platte River, which originates as snowmelt from the upper basin in Colorado and southern Wyoming.
- Watershed Protection: Comprehensive watershed management program working with regional partners to protect both groundwater and surface water sources from contamination and ensure long-term sustainability.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Central Wyoming Regional Water Treatment Plant: The 39-million-gallon-per-day facility utilizes advanced ozone treatment for primary disinfection, followed by filtration, chloramination for secondary disinfection, and corrosion inhibitors.
- Groundwater Treatment: Groundwater from the 29 wells receives ozone treatment and chloramination disinfection, plus corrosion inhibitors to protect both distribution infrastructure and residential plumbing systems.
- Multi-Barrier Approach: Comprehensive treatment including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, advanced filtration, and dual disinfection methods to ensure water safety and quality throughout the system.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Distribution System Improvements: Ongoing modernization of 400 miles of water mains throughout the service area, with systematic replacement of aging infrastructure prioritizing areas with highest needs and growth.
- Storage and Pumping Upgrades: Maintenance and enhancement of 23 water storage tanks and 15 booster stations to ensure reliable water pressure and supply throughout Casper’s service area.
- Smart Water Management: Implementation of advanced monitoring systems and the new Utility Billing Account Management portal launched in 2024, providing real-time account management and consumption tracking for customers.
Customer Protection Initiatives
Casper Water provides extensive customer support through various programs, including emergency response services available 24/7 and water conservation assistance programs. The utility’s commitment to transparency includes annual water quality reports and regular community updates about system improvements. Educational outreach helps residents understand water quality, conservation practices, and the value of water resources in central Wyoming’s semi-arid climate. Casper’s investments in advanced treatment technologies, dual-source water supply, and comprehensive infrastructure modernization demonstrate its dedication to providing safe, reliable drinking water while addressing challenges including population growth, energy sector demands, and climate variability in Wyoming’s high desert environment.
Recommendations for Casper Residents
Test Your Water
Contact Casper Water Customer Service for water quality concerns or testing information. Independent testing is especially recommended for homes built before 1986 or with older plumbing systems that may contain lead components.
Follow Water Restrictions
Adhere to Casper’s Permanent Conservation Measures, including outdoor watering restrictions (odd-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; even-numbered addresses on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). No watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Consider Home Filtration
While Casper’s water meets all standards, homes may benefit from NSF-certified filters for reducing disinfection byproducts like bromate and bromochloroacetic acid, which have been detected at levels exceeding health guidelines in some independent testing.
Use Online Account Management
Take advantage of Casper’s new Utility Billing Account Management portal launched in 2024, which provides real-time account management, usage tracking, and convenient online payment options to help monitor and reduce water consumption.
Report Issues
Contact Casper Water Customer Service for water main breaks, pressure problems, or quality concerns. Report leaks promptly to help conserve water in Wyoming’s semi-arid climate and maintain system integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casper’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Casper’s tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The city’s water comes from the North Platte River and groundwater from the alluvial aquifer, both of which undergo comprehensive treatment including ozone disinfection and chloramination.
Casper Water maintains 24/7 monitoring at the treatment facility with staff on duty year-round. The Central Wyoming Regional Water System incorporates multiple treatment barriers to ensure water safety. The utility’s commitment to water quality is demonstrated through continuous monitoring and annual water quality reports available to all customers.
Why does my water sometimes taste or smell different?
Occasional taste and odor changes can occur due to several factors:
1. Seasonal source variations: Natural changes in groundwater and surface water quality, especially during snowmelt periods or dry weather
2. Treatment adjustments: Changes in ozone or chloramine levels based on source water conditions and regulatory requirements
3. Distribution system factors: Variations in water age or mineral content as water travels through the 400-mile distribution network
If taste or odor issues persist, contact Casper Water Customer Service for assistance. Running cold water for a few minutes after periods of non-use can help improve water quality from your tap.
Does Casper have lead in its water system?
Casper Water has been and continues to be compliant with all federal and state regulations for lead and copper in drinking water:
• Lead service lines: Casper Water is not aware of any lead service lines in its service area, though some older neighborhoods may have galvanized iron service lines with lead components installed prior to 1986
• Corrosion control: The utility uses industry best practices including corrosion inhibitors and pH optimization to prevent leaching of lead and copper from plumbing systems
• Testing results: The most recent lead and copper sampling in 2023 showed levels well below federal action limits
• Treatment protection: Advanced treatment including ozone disinfection and corrosion inhibitors helps protect the distribution system and customer plumbing
Homes built before 1986 have a higher likelihood of containing lead solder or components in internal plumbing, which is why residents with concerns should contact Casper Water for guidance on testing options.
Are there water restrictions in Casper?
Casper operates under Permanent Conservation Measures to manage water resources in Wyoming’s semi-arid climate:
Permanent Conservation Measures:
• Irrigation limited to three days per week (odd-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; even-numbered addresses on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
• No outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to minimize evaporation during peak heat hours
• No water waste including runoff onto streets, sidewalks, or other impervious surfaces
Drought Response:
During severe drought conditions, additional restrictions may be implemented based on reservoir levels and regional water supply conditions. Current status and any temporary restrictions are available through Casper Water Customer Service.
Contaminants of Concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when ozone and chloramine disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in source water from the North Platte River and groundwater
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of certain cancers; specific compounds like bromochloroacetic acid may cause problems during pregnancy
Current Levels: Independent testing has detected bromate and bromochloroacetic acid at levels exceeding health guidelines, though within EPA regulatory limits EPA Limits: 10 ppb for bromate; varying limits for haloacetic acids
Manganese
Source: Naturally occurring element common in groundwater systems, particularly in the North Platte River alluvial aquifer that supplies most of Casper’s water
Health Effects: Excessive manganese exposure may impair children’s attention, memory, and intellectual capacity; can affect brain and nervous system development
Current Status: Detected in Casper’s water supply through routine monitoring; treatment plant operations help control levels through advanced filtration Health Guidelines: EWG guideline of 100 ppb protects against neurological effects
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