Is Clifton, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 77 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Clifton, AZ — Water Quality Report
Clifton's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,633 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 427 violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 77 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clifton's water
Clifton ranks #187 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Clifton 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, Clifton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 49 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clifton, AZ water safe to drink?
Clifton'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 3 water systems serve approximately 2,633 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clifton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clifton's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
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 Clifton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clifton's water system has 427 total violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 77 remain unresolved. 49 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Greenlee County has experienced 7 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 Gila River, San Francisco River, Eagle Creek Above Pumping Plant,.
Where does Clifton's water come from?
Clifton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,633 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Gila River (river), San Francisco River (river), Eagle Creek Above Pumping Plant, (river).
What Clifton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clifton'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.
Clifton'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 Clifton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clifton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FREEPORT-MCMORAN MORENCI INC MORENCI, AZ85540 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGreenlee 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
Greenlee County has experienced 7 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 Clifton compares by contaminant
Explore where Clifton ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clifton's water comes from
Clifton'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 2,633 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Clifton
Clifton is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Clifton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MORENCI WATER ELEC CO CLIFTON | AZ0406002 | 1,678 | GW |
| CS VERDE LEE WATER COMPANY | AZ0406004 | 604 | GW |
| CS LOMA LINDA WATER COMPANY | AZ0406005 | 351 | GW |
How Clifton compares
Full Arizona rankings →Clifton'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 Clifton, AZ
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clifton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Greenlee
Frequently asked questions
Is Clifton, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Clifton's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #187 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Clifton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 427 violations are on record.
How is Clifton'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 Clifton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clifton's water come from?
Clifton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,633 residents.
What health violations has Clifton's water system had?
Clifton has 37 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. 77 violations remain unresolved.
Is Clifton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clifton 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 427 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 Clifton's water compare to other cities?
Clifton ranks #187 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 36% of state cities) and #13099 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.