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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 40 cities in Arizona
It depends on your utility. 8 of the 37 Arizona water systems we grade from EPA records have a health-based violation in the last five years; the state averages 81/100 (7 below the national 88). Lowest graded: Bullhead City (F). Highest: Apache Junction (A).
Arizona'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 37 Arizona water systems we can grade from EPA records, the average score is 81/100 — 7 points below the U.S. national average of 88/100. 41% of graded Arizona cities (15 of 37) score above that national benchmark, and 15 earn a Grade A. 8 cities have at least one health-based EPA violation in the last five years. 3 cities are not graded because we have not yet matched them to an EPA water system.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Arizona water systems are arsenic (naturally occurring), fluoride (naturally occurring) and chromium-6 (natural and industrial). See the full breakdown in our Arizona 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 Arizona
62,055 residents
18,178 residents
14,107 residents
95,502 residents
20,045 residents
16,656 residents
234,766 residents
45,000 residents
40,007 residents
14,197 residents
11,023 residents
241,361 residents
30,377 residents
54,610 residents
1,695,000 residents
732,906 residents
79,796 residents
57,048 residents
8,852 residents
247,328 residents
17,139 residents
15,900 residents
84,000 residents
187,676 residents
17,682 residents
15,162 residents
39,884 residents
466,000 residents
165,000 residents
96,130 residents
22,000 residents
247,600 residents
39,705 residents
50,001 residents
103,264 residents
42,217 residents
36,330 residents
57,318 residents
No EPA water-system match yet — no score.
25,167 residents
No EPA water-system match yet — no score.
13,016 residents
No EPA water-system match yet — no score.
Arizona faces unique water quality challenges due to its desert climate and dependence on limited water resources. The state relies heavily on the Colorado River and groundwater, both of which face quality and quantity concerns. Rapid growth in Phoenix and Tucson areas creates ongoing infrastructure demands.
Across the 37 Arizona cities graded from EPA records, the average water quality score is 81/100. 8 cities score below 70 (D or F) because of health-based violations, lead results, PFAS or historical readings near a limit. The highest-rated city is Apache Junction with a score of 100/100, while Bullhead City has the most room for improvement at 44/100.
8 of the 37 Arizona cities we grade score below 70/100. If your city is one of them — or you just want extra protection — a certified filter is the fastest way to reduce exposure. The findings that drag a score down (lead, PFAS, arsenic, nitrate) are exactly the ones a basic carbon pitcher does not remove.
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The Colorado River, delivered through the Central Arizona Project, supplies much of the state. Groundwater from various aquifers supplements surface water. Some communities depend entirely on groundwater. Reclaimed water is increasingly used for non-potable purposes to stretch supplies.
These contaminants have been detected in various Arizona water systems
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality oversees drinking water. The state has arsenic standards and has invested in treatment systems for affected communities. Arizona manages water rights and quality through a complex system balancing municipal, agricultural, and environmental needs.
Arsenic in groundwater is Arizona's most significant natural water quality concern. Some areas have elevated fluoride levels that may cause dental or skeletal fluorosis. Hard water is common throughout the state. Uranium and other naturally occurring radionuclides affect some groundwater sources.
Arizona residents in areas with arsenic concerns should use reverse osmosis systems certified for arsenic removal. Consider whole-house softeners for hard water issues. Private well users should test annually for arsenic and other regional contaminants. Stay hydrated but know your water quality.
Most Arizona cities we grade have tap water in good standing with EPA. With an average score of 81/100 across 37 graded cities, Arizona 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 Arizona include arsenic (naturally occurring), fluoride (naturally occurring), chromium-6 (natural and industrial). 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. With 8 Arizona cities grading D or F on EPA records, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Arizona 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 Arizona 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 Arizona. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Arizona city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
On EPA records, Apache Junction has the highest water quality score in Arizona at 100/100 (Grade A). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Arizona page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Arizona 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