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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
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Arizona
15,929 residents
41,348 residents
275,987 residents
35,257 residents
11,229 residents
43,764 residents
43,888 residents
57,318 residents
62,720 residents
12,284 residents
57,144 residents
19,625 residents
76,831 residents
180,587 residents
190,985 residents
26,785 residents
25,167 residents
248,325 residents
267,918 residents
16,301 residents
95,548 residents
16,094 residents
13,016 residents
85,857 residents
32,689 residents
34,034 residents
89,334 residents
1,608,139 residents
46,785 residents
59,519 residents
51,908 residents
504,258 residents
143,148 residents
542,629 residents
86,840 residents
43,376 residents
14,502 residents
35,753 residents
241,361 residents
20,103 residents
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.
Based on our analysis of 40 cities in Arizona, the average water quality score is 79/100. 10 cities have water quality scores below 70, indicating potential concerns that residents should be aware of. The highest-rated city is Nogales with a score of 51/100, while Payson has the most room for improvement at 98/100.
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.
Water quality in Arizona varies by location. Our analysis shows an average score of 79/100 across 40 cities, with 10 cities showing potential concerns. We recommend checking your specific city's water quality report and considering filtration if needed.
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 10 cities in Arizona showing elevated contaminant levels, 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.
Based on our analysis, Nogales has the highest water quality score in Arizona at 51/100 (Grade D). 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