Water Quality in Wyoming: Complete Guide
Everything homeowners need to know about Wyoming tap water - hardness, contaminants, treatment options, and costs.
Quick summary: Wyoming has an average water hardness of 168 PPM across 7 cities. 71% of cities have hard water above 120 PPM. PFAS contamination is detected above EPA limits in at least one city. Many households will benefit from a softener or conditioner.
Water Hardness Across Wyoming
Wyoming's water hardness ranges from 66 PPM in Laramie to 245 PPM in Gillette, with a statewide average of 168 PPM. This makes Wyoming one of the harder-water states in the country. The national average is approximately 120 PPM.
Most Wyoming cities use surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs), which generally has lower mineral content than groundwater.
Contaminants of Concern in Wyoming
PFAS: The average PFAS level across Wyoming cities is 17.9 ppt. Riverton has the highest detected PFAS at 125.6 ppt, above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. Residents should consider a reverse osmosis or NSF P473-certified filter for drinking water.
Lead: Lead contamination comes from plumbing infrastructure, not the water source. Wyoming homes built before 1986 are at higher risk due to lead solder. 1 cities show lead levels above 5 ppb.
Do You Need a Water Softener in Wyoming?
It depends on your city. About 71% of Wyoming cities have hard water above 120 PPM. Check your specific city on CheckMyTap to see if treatment is recommended.
Impact of Hard Water in Wyoming
At the state average of 168 PPM, untreated hard water causes measurable household impact: scale buildup that reduces water heater efficiency (DOE estimates up to 22%), increased soap and detergent use, premature appliance failure, and plumbing maintenance. A water softener ($600-$1,500 installed) eliminates these problems.