Is Cordes Lakes, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.6/100
waterverge.com Cordes Lakes, AZ — Water Quality Report
Cordes Lakes's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,257 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 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 89 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cordes Lakes's water
Cordes Lakes ranks #109 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cordes Lakes 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cordes Lakes, AZ water safe to drink?
Cordes Lakes's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,257 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cordes Lakes
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cordes Lakes's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4203). 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 Cordes Lakes's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cordes Lakes's water system has 89 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Maricopa County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Cordes Lakes's water come from?
Cordes Lakes's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 4,257 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).
What Cordes Lakes residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cordes Lakes'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.
Cordes Lakes'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 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
Maricopa County has experienced 10 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. | 4.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cordes Lakes compares by contaminant
Explore where Cordes Lakes ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cordes Lakes's water comes from
Cordes Lakes'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 4,257 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cordes Lakes
Cordes Lakes is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cordes Lakes
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CORDES LAKES WATER COMPANY | AZ0413023 | 4,257 | GW |
How Cordes Lakes compares
Full Arizona rankings →Cordes Lakes's score of 81.6/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Cordes Lakes, AZ
Wikipedia →Litchfield Park is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. It is located 19 miles (31 km) west of Phoenix. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 6,847, up from 5,476 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cordes Lakes's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yavapai
Frequently asked questions
Is Cordes Lakes, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Cordes Lakes's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #109 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Cordes Lakes's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). 89 violations are on record.
How is Cordes Lakes'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 Cordes Lakes?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cordes Lakes's water come from?
Cordes Lakes's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 4,257 residents.
What health violations has Cordes Lakes's water system had?
Cordes Lakes has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cordes Lakes's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cordes Lakes 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 89 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 Cordes Lakes's water compare to other cities?
Cordes Lakes ranks #109 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 63% of state cities) and #7388 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.