WaterVerge

Is Bourden Ranch Estates, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B-, with 24 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AZ0409049
Overall Score
73.1 / 100
Violations
24 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#141 of 292 in Arizona Top 65% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
73.1/100
waterverge.com
B- 73.1/100

Bourden Ranch Estates, AZ — Water Quality Report

Bourden Ranch Estates's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,153 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 56 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Bourden Ranch Estates's water

Bourden Ranch Estates ranks #141 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Bourden Ranch Estates 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, Bourden Ranch Estates may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
73.1 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
28.1/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Bourden Ranch Estates, AZ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Bourden Ranch Estates's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,153 residents using groundwater (wells).

24
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Bourden Ranch Estates

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bourden Ranch Estates's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3241). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING

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 Bourden Ranch Estates's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Bourden Ranch Estates's water system has 56 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONOtherMRTTRPTMCL
Most recent violations:
Nov 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Sep 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2024 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Pima County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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 Santa Cruz River, Tanque Verde Creek, Pantano Wash, Rillito Creek, Canada Del Oro.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3241
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-977
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-884

Where does Bourden Ranch Estates's water come from?

Bourden Ranch Estates's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,153 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Santa Cruz River (river), Tanque Verde Creek (river), Pantano Wash (river), Rillito Creek (river), Canada Del Oro (river).

What Bourden Ranch Estates residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bourden Ranch Estates's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Bourden Ranch Estates'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

56
Total violations
3
Health-based
24
Active / unresolved
Nov 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

56 Total
24 Active
3 Health-based
32 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
26
Consumer Confidence Rule
15
Revised Total Coliform Rule
5
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Nitrate Rule
2
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2022 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Sep 2022 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2015 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2007 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 56 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Navajo 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
56.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Pima County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1966. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3241
Jan 1993
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #977
Dec 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #884
Oct 1983
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #691
Dec 1978
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #570
Mar 1978
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #551

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 2004 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Bourden Ranch Estates compares by contaminant

Explore where Bourden Ranch Estates ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
1,153
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Bourden Ranch Estates's water comes from

Groundwater

Bourden Ranch Estates'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 1,153 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Bourden Ranch Estates

Bourden Ranch Estates is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Santa Cruz River
river
Tanque Verde Creek
river
Pantano Wash
river
Rillito Creek
river
Canada Del Oro
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Bourden Ranch Estates

System Name PWSID Population Source
WATCO WATER AZ0409049 1,153 GW
Regional Comparison

How Bourden Ranch Estates compares

Full Arizona rankings →

Bourden Ranch Estates's score of 73.1/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Bourden Ranch Estates (this city)
73.1
Phoenix
37.5
Tucson
38.1
Mesa
40.6
Chandler
40.5
Gilbert
34.8
Arizona avg
42
City Profile

About Bourden Ranch Estates, AZ

Wikipedia →

Tucson is the county seat of and the most populated city in Pima County, Arizona, United States. It is the second-most populous city in Arizona with a population of 542,630 at the 2020 census, behind the capital city, Phoenix, while the Tucson metropolitan statistical area has an estimated 1.08 million residents and is the 52nd-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. Tucson and Phoenix anchor the Arizona Sun Corridor. The city is 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 mi (100 km) north of the United States–Mexico border. It is home to the University of Arizona.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Bourden Ranch Estates, AZ tap water safe to drink?

Bourden Ranch Estates's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #141 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.

What contaminants are in Bourden Ranch Estates's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 56 violations are on record.

How is Bourden Ranch Estates'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 Bourden Ranch Estates?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Bourden Ranch Estates's water come from?

Bourden Ranch Estates's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,153 residents.

What health violations has Bourden Ranch Estates's water system had?

Bourden Ranch Estates has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.

Is Bourden Ranch Estates's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Bourden Ranch Estates 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 56 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 Bourden Ranch Estates's water compare to other cities?

Bourden Ranch Estates ranks #141 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 52% of state cities) and #10165 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Bourden Ranch Estates's small water system affect quality?

Bourden Ranch Estates's system serves approximately 1,153 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 56 violations on record.