Is Chino Valley, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 133 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Chino Valley, AZ — Water Quality Report
Chino Valley's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 7,025 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 830 violations on record, including 48 health-based violations. 133 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chino Valley's water
Chino Valley ranks #184 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Chino Valley 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.
The system has seen 98 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chino Valley, AZ water safe to drink?
Chino Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 7,025 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chino Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chino Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule, Chlorine.
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 Chino Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chino Valley's water system has 830 total violations on record, including 48 health-based violations. 133 remain unresolved. 98 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, Agua Fria River.
Where does Chino Valley's water come from?
Chino Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 7,025 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), Agua Fria River (river).
What Chino Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chino Valley'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.
Chino Valley'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Chino Valley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chino Valley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STURM RUGER & CO INC PRESCOTT, AZ86301 | Chromium | 3 | 6.0 mi |
MARTIN MARIETTA ARIZONA LLC - YAVAPAI PLANT PRESCOTT, AZ86301 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
NESTLE HEALTH SCIENCE US PRESCOTT, AZ86301 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chino Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Chino Valley ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chino Valley's water comes from
Chino Valley'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 7,025 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Chino Valley
Chino Valley is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Chino Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHINO VALLEY TOWN OF | AZ0413137 | 2,742 | GW |
| CHINO MEADOWS II | AZ0413079 | 2,350 | GW |
| APPALOOSA WATER COMPANY | AZ0413208 | 600 | GW |
| INSCRIPTION CANYON WATER COMPANY | AZ0413263 | 566 | GW |
| ACME WATER - YAVAPAI ESTATES | AZ0413077 | 243 | GW |
| QUAIL RIDGE DWID | AZ0413307 | 179 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN VIEW MHP | AZ0413419 | 160 | GW |
| CHINO VALLEY PARK | AZ0413431 | 65 | GW |
| ROAD RUNNER MHP | AZ0413338 | 60 | GW |
| WHISPERING WINDS APARTMENTS | AZ0413487 | 60 | GW |
How Chino Valley compares
Full Arizona rankings →Chino Valley's score of 50/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Chino Valley, AZ
Wikipedia →Prescott Valley is a town located in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States, approximately 8 miles (13 km) east of Prescott. According to the 2020 United States census, Prescott Valley has a population of 46,785 residents.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chino Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yavapai
Frequently asked questions
Is Chino Valley, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Chino Valley's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #184 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Chino Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 830 violations are on record.
How is Chino Valley'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 Chino Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chino Valley's water come from?
Chino Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 7,025 residents.
What health violations has Chino Valley's water system had?
Chino Valley has 48 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. 133 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chino Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chino Valley 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 830 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 Chino Valley's water compare to other cities?
Chino Valley ranks #184 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 37% of state cities) and #13062 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.