Is Black Canyon City, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
30/100
waterverge.com Black Canyon City, AZ — Water Quality Report
Black Canyon City's drinking water received a grade of F (30 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,345 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 50.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 510 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 86 remain unresolved.
What to know about Black Canyon City's water
Black Canyon City ranks #291 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Black Canyon City 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
The system has seen 34 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Black Canyon City, AZ water safe to drink?
Black Canyon City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (30/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,345 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Black Canyon City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Black Canyon City's water quality assessment. Grade: F (30/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3241). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-977). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Black Canyon City's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Black Canyon City's water system has 510 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 86 remain unresolved. 34 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Yavapai County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1978. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Granite Creek, Granite Creek Below Watson Lake.
Where does Black Canyon City's water come from?
Black Canyon City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,345 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Granite Creek (river), Granite Creek Below Watson Lake (river).
What Black Canyon City residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Black Canyon City'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Black Canyon City'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtYavapai County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Yavapai County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1978. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Black Canyon City's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 50.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.350 mg/L (2018)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Black Canyon City compares by contaminant
Explore where Black Canyon City ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Black Canyon City's water comes from
Black Canyon City'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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,345 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Black Canyon City
Black Canyon City is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Black Canyon City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK CANYON CITY WID | AZ0413051 | 2,437 | GW |
| COLDWATER CANYON 1 | AZ0413020 | 541 | GW |
| COLDWATER CANYON 2 | AZ0413192 | 247 | GW |
| COLDWATER CANYON 3 | AZ0413202 | 120 | GW |
How Black Canyon City compares
Full Arizona rankings →Black Canyon City's score of 30/100 is below the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Black Canyon City, AZ
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Black Canyon City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yavapai
Frequently asked questions
Is Black Canyon City, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Black Canyon City's water quality earned a grade of F (30/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #291 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Black Canyon City's water?
Lead was measured at 50.0 ppb (90th percentile). 510 violations are on record.
How is Black Canyon City'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 Black Canyon City?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Black Canyon City's water come from?
Black Canyon City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,345 residents.
What health violations has Black Canyon City's water system had?
Black Canyon City has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 86 violations remain unresolved.
Is Black Canyon City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Black Canyon City 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 510 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 Black Canyon City's water compare to other cities?
Black Canyon City ranks #291 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 0% of state cities) and #15684 out of 15744 cities nationally (0th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.