Is Circle City, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.4/100
waterverge.com Circle City, AZ — Water Quality Report
Circle City's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 815 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 1 health-based violation. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Circle City's water
Circle City ranks #98 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Circle 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.
As a small community water system, Circle City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Circle City, AZ water safe to drink?
Circle City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 815 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Circle City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Circle City's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Circle City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Circle City's water system has 56 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 21 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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.
Where does Circle City's water come from?
Circle City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 815 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 Circle City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Circle 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.
Circle 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 droughtMaricopa 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
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.
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 Circle City compares by contaminant
Explore where Circle City ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Circle City's water comes from
Circle 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 815 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Circle City
Circle City is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Circle City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BROOKE WATER LLC - CIRCLE CITY WC | AZ0407112 | 815 | GW |
How Circle City compares
Full Arizona rankings →Circle City's score of 83.4/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Circle City, 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.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Circle City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Maricopa
Frequently asked questions
Is Circle City, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Circle City's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #98 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Circle City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 56 violations are on record.
How is Circle 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 Circle City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Circle City's water come from?
Circle City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 815 residents.
What health violations has Circle City's water system had?
Circle City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
Is Circle City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Circle 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 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 Circle City's water compare to other cities?
Circle City ranks #98 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 66% of state cities) and #6467 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Circle City's small water system affect quality?
Circle City's system serves approximately 815 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.