Arizona Water Quality Rankings 2026

All 40 cities ranked by water quality score

State Average79/100

Cities Ranked

Payson

Best City (98/100)

Nogales

Lowest Score (51/100)

63%

Above National Avg

Grade Distribution

How Arizona's 40 cities are distributed by water quality grade

A Range

38% of cities

B Range

38% of cities

C Range

20% of cities

5% of cities

0% of cities

Cities with good water quality (B or better)60%

24 out of 40 cities meet or exceed a B grade for water quality

All 40 Arizona Cities Ranked

Sorted by water quality score from best to worst. Click any city for a detailed water quality report.

Rank	City	Score	Grade	Population	Top Concern
1	Payson	98/100	A+	15,929	None identified
2	Bullhead City	95/100	A+	41,348	None identified
3	Chandler	95/100	A+	275,987	None identified
#4	San Luis	95/100	A+	35,257	None identified
#5	Show Low	95/100	A+	11,229	None identified
#6	Apache Junction	94/100	A	43,764	None identified
#7	Sierra Vista	93/100	A	43,888	None identified
#8	Casa Grande	90/100	A	57,318	None identified
#9	Maricopa	88/100	A-	62,720	None identified
#10	Cottonwood	87/100	A-	12,284	None identified
#11	Lake Havasu City	87/100	A-	57,144	None identified
#12	Eloy	86/100	A-	19,625	None identified
#13	Flagstaff	86/100	A-	76,831	None identified
#14	Tempe	86/100	A-	180,587	None identified
#15	Peoria	85/100	A-	190,985	None identified
#16	Florence	84/100	B+	26,785	None identified
#17	Fountain Hills	84/100	B+	25,167	None identified
#18	Glendale	84/100	B+	248,325	None identified
#19	Gilbert	83/100	B+	267,918	None identified
#20	Somerton	83/100	B+	16,301	None identified
#21	Yuma	83/100	B+	95,548	None identified
#22	Douglas	82/100	B+	16,094	None identified
#23	Coolidge	81/100	B+	13,016	None identified
#24	Buckeye	79/100	B	85,857	None identified
#25	Kingman	74/100	B-	32,689	None identified
#26	Sahuarita	71/100	B-	34,034	None identified
#27	Avondale	70/100	B-	89,334	None identified
#28	Phoenix	70/100	B-	1,608,139	None identified
#29	Prescott Valley	70/100	B-	46,785	None identified
#30	Queen Creek	70/100	B-	59,519	None identified
#31	Marana	69/100	C+	51,908	None identified
#32	Mesa	69/100	C+	504,258	None identified
#33	Surprise	69/100	C+	143,148	None identified
#34	Tucson	68/100	C+	542,629	None identified
#35	Goodyear	66/100	C+	86,840	None identified
#36	Prescott	57/100	C-	43,376	None identified
#37	Paradise Valley	56/100	C-	14,502	None identified
#38	El Mirage	55/100	C-	35,753	None identified
#39	Scottsdale	52/100	D	241,361	None identified
#40	Nogales	51/100	D	20,103	None identified

Key Findings

The best water quality in Arizona is found in Payson with a score of 98/100 and a grade of A+. This puts Payson among the top-performing cities in the country for drinking water safety.

The most concerning water quality is in Nogales scoring 51/100 with a grade of D. Residents may want to consider home water testing and filtration options.

2 cities with D or F grades:

Scottsdale — Score: 52/100, Grade: D
Nogales — Score: 51/100, Grade: D

The statewide average score is 79/100, which is 7 points above the national average of 72/100. Over half (63%) of Arizona cities score above the national average, though some areas face challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city in Arizona has the best water quality?

Payson has the best water quality in Arizona with a score of 98/100 and a grade of A+. This score is based on contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and infrastructure quality. Payson ranks among the top cities nationally for water quality.

Is Arizona tap water safe to drink?

Water quality varies across Arizona. The state average score is 79/100. 60% of Arizona cities have good water quality (grade B or better). However, 2 cities have water quality concerns with a grade of D or F. Residents in those areas should consider water testing and filtration. Always check your specific city's water quality report for the most accurate local information.

How many Arizona cities have water quality concerns?

Of the 40 cities tracked in Arizona, 2 cities have a D or F grade, indicating significant water quality concerns. An additional 8 cities fall in the C range, suggesting moderate issues. 25 out of 40 cities (63%) score above the national average of 72/100. Residents concerned about their water quality can check their city's detailed report for specific contaminant information.