Is Cameron, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
Cameron, AZ — Water Quality Report
Cameron's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,012 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 272 violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 47 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cameron's water
Cameron ranks #234 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Cameron 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, Cameron may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 53 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cameron, AZ water safe to drink?
Cameron's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,012 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cameron
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cameron's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Cameron's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cameron's water system has 272 total violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 47 remain unresolved. 53 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Coconino 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 Cameron's water come from?
Cameron's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,012 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cameron residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cameron'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.
Cameron'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 droughtCoconino 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
Coconino 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cameron'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 1.91 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.910 mg/L (2021)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Cameron compares by contaminant
Explore where Cameron ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cameron's water comes from
Cameron'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 public/private ownership and serves approximately 2,012 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Cameron
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMERON TRADING POST | AZ0403006 | 1,270 | GW |
| Cameron NTUA | NN0403010 | 742 | GW |
How Cameron compares
Full Arizona rankings →Cameron's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Cameron, AZ
Wikipedia →Cameron is a census-designated place (CDP) in Coconino County, Arizona, United States, on the Navajo Nation. The population was 885 at the 2010 census. Most of the town's economy is tourist food and craft stalls, restaurants, and other services for north–south traffic from Flagstaff and Page. There is a ranger station supplying information and hiking permits for the Navajo Nation. There is also a large craft store run by the Nation itself. It is named after Ralph H. Cameron, one of the two senators first appointed to U.S. Congress for Arizona, upon its federal recognition of statehood.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cameron's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Coconino
Frequently asked questions
Is Cameron, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Cameron's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #234 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Cameron's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 272 violations are on record.
How is Cameron'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 Cameron?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cameron's water come from?
Cameron's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,012 residents.
What health violations has Cameron's water system had?
Cameron has 38 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. 47 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cameron's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cameron 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 272 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 Cameron's water compare to other cities?
Cameron ranks #234 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 20% of state cities) and #14022 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.