Is Bylas, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 54 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
48/100
waterverge.com Bylas, AZ — Water Quality Report
Bylas's drinking water received a grade of D (48 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,160 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 424 violations on record, including 65 health-based violations. 54 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bylas's water
Bylas ranks #205 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bylas 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, Bylas may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 57 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bylas, AZ water safe to drink?
Bylas's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,160 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bylas
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bylas's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, o-Dichlorobenzene, Carbon tetrachloride.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Bylas's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bylas's water system has 424 total violations on record, including 65 health-based violations. 54 remain unresolved. 57 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gila County has experienced 9 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. Local water sources include San Carlos River.
Where does Bylas's water come from?
Bylas's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,160 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include San Carlos River (river).
What Bylas residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bylas'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.
Bylas'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
Gila County has experienced 9 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bylas compares by contaminant
Explore where Bylas ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bylas's water comes from
Bylas'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 3,160 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bylas
Bylas is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bylas
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCUA Bylas | 090400110 | 3,160 | GW |
How Bylas compares
Full Arizona rankings →Bylas's score of 48/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Bylas, AZ
Wikipedia →San Carlos is a census-designated place (CDP) in Gila County, Arizona, United States. The population was 4,038 at the 2010 census, up from 3,716 in 2000.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bylas's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bylas, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Bylas's water quality earned a grade of D (48/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #205 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Bylas's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 424 violations are on record.
How is Bylas'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 Bylas?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bylas's water come from?
Bylas's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,160 residents.
What health violations has Bylas's water system had?
Bylas has 65 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 54 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bylas's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bylas 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 424 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 Bylas's water compare to other cities?
Bylas ranks #205 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 30% of state cities) and #13524 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bylas's small water system affect quality?
Bylas's system serves approximately 3,160 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 424 violations on record.