Top 50 Cities with the Best Water Quality in America
These cities have the cleanest, safest drinking water based on EPA contaminant data, compliance records, and infrastructure quality. All cities listed here have water quality scores of 80 or higher, indicating excellent tap water safety.
Key Insights
States with Most Top-Ranked Cities
Complete Rankings: Top 50 Cities
Click any city to see detailed water quality report including contaminants, violations, and filter recommendations.
| Rank | City | State | Score | Grade | Population Served |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Payson | Arizona | 98/100 | A+ | 15,929 |
| #2 | Anaheim | California | 98/100 | A+ | 346,824 |
| #3 | Romeoville | Illinois | 98/100 | A+ | 39,983 |
| #4 | Cumberland | Maryland | 98/100 | A+ | 19,495 |
| #5 | Pine Bluff | Arkansas | 97/100 | A+ | 41,253 |
| #6 | Palm Desert | California | 97/100 | A+ | 51,988 |
| #7 | San Clemente | California | 97/100 | A+ | 65,040 |
| #8 | West Haven | Connecticut | 97/100 | A+ | 54,666 |
| #9 | Naperville | Illinois | 97/100 | A+ | 149,013 |
| #10 | Greenwood | Indiana | 97/100 | A+ | 63,830 |
| #11 | Salina | Kansas | 97/100 | A+ | 46,994 |
| #12 | Radcliff | Kentucky | 97/100 | A+ | 24,046 |
| #13 | El Paso | Texas | 97/100 | A+ | 1,821 |
| #14 | Prichard | Alabama | 96/100 | A+ | 19,322 |
| #15 | Hanford | California | 96/100 | A+ | 57,232 |
| #16 | Inglewood | California | 96/100 | A+ | 109,398 |
| #17 | Lodi | California | 96/100 | A+ | 67,539 |
| #18 | Monterey Park | California | 96/100 | A+ | 60,105 |
| #19 | San Diego | California | 96/100 | A+ | 1,386,932 |
| #20 | Santa Barbara | California | 96/100 | A+ | 88,665 |
| #21 | Simi Valley | California | 96/100 | A+ | 126,181 |
| #22 | Longmont | Colorado | 96/100 | A+ | 98,885 |
| #23 | Dunedin | Florida | 96/100 | A+ | 36,068 |
| #24 | Lakeland | Florida | 96/100 | A+ | 112,641 |
| #25 | Miami Beach | Florida | 96/100 | A+ | 92,307 |
| #26 | Alpharetta | Georgia | 96/100 | A+ | 65,818 |
| #27 | Statesboro | Georgia | 96/100 | A+ | 33,438 |
| #28 | Council Bluffs | Iowa | 96/100 | A+ | 62,799 |
| #29 | Mason City | Iowa | 96/100 | A+ | 27,338 |
| #30 | West Des Moines | Iowa | 96/100 | A+ | 68,723 |
| #31 | Peoria | Illinois | 96/100 | A+ | 113,150 |
| #32 | Franklin | Indiana | 96/100 | A+ | 26,211 |
| #33 | Ashland | Kentucky | 96/100 | A+ | 21,625 |
| #34 | Hammond | Louisiana | 96/100 | A+ | 21,359 |
| #35 | Everett | Massachusetts | 96/100 | A+ | 49,075 |
| #36 | Framingham | Massachusetts | 96/100 | A+ | 72,362 |
| #37 | Lowell | Massachusetts | 96/100 | A+ | 115,554 |
| #38 | Taunton | Massachusetts | 96/100 | A+ | 59,408 |
| #39 | Weymouth Town | Massachusetts | 96/100 | A+ | 57,213 |
| #40 | Enterprise | Alabama | 95/100 | A+ | 28,711 |
| #41 | Montgomery | Alabama | 95/100 | A+ | 200,603 |
| #42 | Paragould | Arkansas | 95/100 | A+ | 29,908 |
| #43 | West Memphis | Arkansas | 95/100 | A+ | 24,656 |
| #44 | Bullhead City | Arizona | 95/100 | A+ | 41,348 |
| #45 | Chandler | Arizona | 95/100 | A+ | 275,987 |
| #46 | San Luis | Arizona | 95/100 | A+ | 35,257 |
| #47 | Show Low | Arizona | 95/100 | A+ | 11,229 |
| #48 | Laguna Hills | California | 95/100 | A+ | 31,573 |
| #49 | Yorba Linda | California | 95/100 | A+ | 68,103 |
| #50 | Steamboat Springs | Colorado | 95/100 | A+ | 13,932 |
What Makes These Cities Stand Out?
Cities with the best water quality share several common characteristics:
Low Contaminant Levels
All detected contaminants are well below EPA maximum limits. Most have no concerning levels of lead, arsenic, or disinfection byproducts.
Excellent Compliance
These cities have few or no EPA violations, demonstrating consistent adherence to Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
Modern Infrastructure
Investment in treatment facilities, distribution systems, and regular maintenance ensures water stays clean from source to tap.
Protected Water Sources
Quality source water from protected aquifers, reservoirs, or rivers with minimal agricultural or industrial contamination upstream.
Do You Need a Water Filter in These Cities?
Even in cities with excellent water quality, many residents choose to use water filters for:
- Taste improvement: Removing chlorine taste and odor
- Lead protection: Filtering lead that may leach from home plumbing
- Extra protection: Removing trace contaminants below EPA limits
- Peace of mind: Additional safety for pregnant women, infants, or immunocompromised individuals