Wyoming – The Equality State – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your state
Wyoming’s water infrastructure serves approximately 580,000 residents across 97,000 square miles of diverse terrain, from the high plains in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the west. The state operates through a network of 772 public water systems, with nearly 90% of residents served by 321 community water systems operating year-round. Wyoming’s water sources include the North Platte, Green, Snake, and Yellowstone river systems, along with extensive groundwater aquifers that supply both urban centers and rural communities across this sparsely populated but geographically vast state.
Wyoming faces unique water infrastructure challenges stemming from its harsh climate, remote geography, and limited population base. The state experiences moderate to severe drought conditions yearly since 1999 and has access to only six million acre-feet of the 15 million acre-feet of surface water originating within the state. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 Infrastructure Report Card, Wyoming’s drinking water infrastructure requires significant attention, with 23% of public water systems not sustaining themselves on user fees. The state has received $18.9 million in federal infrastructure investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law specifically to address emerging contaminants like PFAS, focusing on small, rural, and disadvantaged communities that face disproportionate challenges in meeting new federal regulations.
Wyoming Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Statewide Compliance and Testing
- Federal Oversight: Wyoming is the only state where EPA Region 8 (Denver office) directly administers Safe Drinking Water Act programs rather than the state, ensuring consistent federal oversight of all 772 public water systems.
- PFAS Monitoring: Wyoming has implemented comprehensive PFAS testing under federal requirements, with results indicating varying contamination levels that may require treatment upgrades under new EPA regulations.
- Infrastructure Investment: $18.9 million in federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been allocated to Wyoming specifically for emerging contaminants like PFAS, targeting small and disadvantaged communities.
Major Water Sources and Challenges
- North Platte River System: Primary source for Casper and central Wyoming communities, providing both surface water and groundwater through alluvial aquifers, with ongoing monitoring for emerging contaminants.
- Drought and Water Allocation: Wyoming has experienced moderate to severe drought conditions annually since 1999, with the state allocated only 6 million acre-feet of its 15 million acre-feet of originating surface water.
- Corrosive Soil Impacts: Corrosive soil materials throughout Wyoming cause metal pipes to degrade faster than anticipated, necessitating accelerated replacement schedules and increased maintenance costs.
Emerging Contaminant Response
- PFAS Regulation Timeline: New EPA drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS were delayed until 2031 for compliance, providing additional time for Wyoming’s water systems to implement necessary treatment technologies.
- Treatment Technology Planning: Wyoming water utilities are evaluating and planning for advanced treatment technologies including activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis systems to address PFAS contamination.
- Airport and Industrial Sources: Jackson Hole Airport and other facilities using PFAS-containing firefighting foams have joined national litigation efforts while working to address contamination sources.
Rural and Small Community Challenges
- Financial Sustainability: A 2018 survey found 23% of Wyoming public water systems are not sustaining themselves on user fees, with 32% not billing customers based on usage metering.
- Geographic Isolation: Wyoming’s 580,000 residents spread across 97,000 square miles face unique challenges in maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure due to remote locations and harsh terrain.
- Federal Support Programs: The Emerging Contaminants Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant program provides targeted funding to help Wyoming’s rural systems meet new regulatory requirements.
Looking Forward: 2025-2030
Wyoming’s water quality landscape faces significant transformation as the state prepares for evolving federal PFAS regulations and addresses ongoing infrastructure challenges. The unique federal oversight structure through EPA Region 8 ensures consistent regulatory compliance while providing direct technical assistance to local systems. However, Wyoming’s vast geography, harsh climate, and limited population base create ongoing challenges in financing and maintaining water infrastructure. Success will require continued federal support, innovative approaches to regional cooperation, and sustainable rate structures that enable small communities to meet emerging regulatory requirements while maintaining affordable water service across the Equality State.
Recommendations for Wyoming Residents
Know Your Water Source
Contact your local water utility to request annual water quality reports and ask about PFAS testing results. Since EPA Region 8 oversees Wyoming water systems, you can also access compliance data through federal databases.
Support Infrastructure Investment
Advocate for sustainable utility rate structures that enable necessary infrastructure improvements. Support metered billing systems and rate adjustments that ensure your local system’s financial sustainability.
Consider PFAS-Certified Filtration
For areas with known or suspected PFAS contamination, consider NSF-certified activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters specifically tested for PFAS removal while utilities plan treatment upgrades.
Report Water Quality Concerns
Contact your local water utility immediately for taste, odor, or color concerns. Report suspected contamination to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality at (307) 777-7937 for investigation and follow-up.
Practice Water Conservation
Support Wyoming’s water sustainability by implementing conservation measures like efficient irrigation, xeriscaping with native plants, and low-flow fixtures. Reducing demand helps utilities manage drought conditions and maintain system reliability.
Wyoming Cities We Cover
Casper Water Quality
Comprehensive analysis of Casper’s water system, served by the Central Wyoming Regional Water System, including groundwater and surface water sources from the North Platte River, treatment processes, and compliance with emerging contaminant regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wyoming’s tap water safe to drink?
Most of Wyoming’s 772 public water systems meet federal drinking water standards and are safe for consumption, with direct oversight from EPA Region 8 ensuring consistent compliance monitoring.
Wyoming is unique among states in that the EPA directly administers Safe Drinking Water Act programs rather than delegating to state agencies, providing consistent federal oversight and technical assistance. The majority of systems comply with current federal standards, though some may need upgrades to meet new PFAS regulations. Water utilities conduct continuous monitoring, and the state has received $18.9 million in federal funding specifically to address emerging contaminants and help smaller systems maintain compliance with evolving regulations.
What are Wyoming’s main water infrastructure challenges?
Wyoming faces unique infrastructure challenges due to its vast geography, harsh climate, and sparse population distribution across 97,000 square miles.
Key challenges include persistent drought conditions since 1999, corrosive soils that accelerate pipe degradation, and financial sustainability issues with 23% of water systems not sustaining themselves on user fees. The state’s remote geography makes infrastructure maintenance and upgrades more expensive, while 32% of systems don’t use metered billing. Wyoming has access to only 6 million acre-feet of the 15 million acre-feet of surface water originating within the state, making water allocation and conservation critical priorities.
How can I find out about my local water quality in Wyoming?
Wyoming residents can access water quality information through several channels:
• Annual Water Quality Reports: Contact your water utility directly for their Consumer Confidence Report, which details all testing results and compliance status
• EPA Region 8 Oversight: Since EPA directly administers Wyoming’s drinking water programs, federal compliance data is readily available through EPA databases
• Wyoming DEQ Water Quality Division: Contact (307) 777-7937 for information about source water protection and local environmental concerns
• EWG Tap Water Database: Use your zip code to search for contaminants detected in your local water system and get filter recommendations
What is Wyoming doing about PFAS contamination?
Wyoming is addressing PFAS contamination through federal oversight, targeted funding, and comprehensive monitoring programs:
Federal Support: Wyoming received $18.9 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law specifically for emerging contaminants like PFAS, targeting small and disadvantaged communities
Extended Compliance Timeline: EPA delayed PFAS compliance deadlines until 2031 for PFOA and PFOS, giving Wyoming water systems additional time to implement treatment technologies
Source Identification: Facilities like Jackson Hole Airport have joined national litigation against PFAS manufacturers while working to address contamination sources
Treatment Planning: Water utilities are evaluating advanced treatment options including activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems to remove PFAS contamination
Contaminants of Concern
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
Source: Aviation firefighting foam at airports like Jackson Hole, military installations, industrial facilities, and consumer products including stain-resistant textiles and non-stick cookware
Health Effects: Linked to kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, immune system suppression, high cholesterol, and developmental effects in children
Current Status: Wyoming water systems are monitoring PFAS levels and planning treatment upgrades to meet EPA regulations, with compliance deadlines extended to 2031 EPA Limits: 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS individually, with hazard index for other PFAS compounds
Infrastructure-Related Contaminants
Source: Aging water distribution systems, corrosive soil conditions throughout Wyoming that accelerate pipe degradation, and disinfection byproducts from water treatment processes
Health Effects: Disinfection byproducts like bromate can increase cancer risk; lead and copper from corroded pipes can cause neurological effects and kidney damage; iron and manganese can affect taste and appearance
Current Status: Wyoming’s corrosive soil conditions require accelerated pipe replacement schedules; water utilities monitor for disinfection byproducts and implement corrosion control measures Regulatory Response: EPA Region 8 provides direct oversight and technical assistance for compliance with lead and copper rules and disinfection byproduct standards
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