Is Aneth, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
54.3/100
Aneth, AZ — Water Quality Report
Aneth's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,481 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 131 violations on record, including 49 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Aneth's water
Aneth ranks #174 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Aneth relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Aneth may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Aneth, AZ water safe to drink?
Aneth's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,481 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Aneth
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Aneth's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.3/100).
Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4620). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3241). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Aneth's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Aneth's water system has 131 total violations on record, including 49 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Apache County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Aneth's water come from?
Aneth's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,481 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Aneth residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Aneth's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Aneth's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Apache County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Aneth compares by contaminant
Explore where Aneth ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Aneth's water comes from
Aneth's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by native american ownership and serves approximately 1,481 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Aneth
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aneth NTUA | NN4900220 | 1,481 | GW |
How Aneth compares
Full Arizona rankings →Aneth's score of 54.3/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Aneth's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aneth, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Aneth's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #174 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Aneth's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 131 violations are on record.
How is Aneth's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Aneth?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Aneth's water come from?
Aneth's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,481 residents.
What health violations has Aneth's water system had?
Aneth has 49 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Aneth's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Aneth uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 131 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Aneth's water compare to other cities?
Aneth ranks #174 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 40% of state cities) and #12617 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Aneth's small water system affect quality?
Aneth's system serves approximately 1,481 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 131 violations on record.