Is Fort Defiance, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Fort Defiance, AZ — Water Quality Report
Fort Defiance's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 875 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 176 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 43 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort Defiance's water
Fort Defiance ranks #265 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Fort Defiance purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Fort Defiance may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 34 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Defiance, AZ water safe to drink?
Fort Defiance's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 875 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Defiance
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Defiance's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Fort Defiance'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
Fort Defiance's water system has 176 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 43 remain unresolved. 34 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Apache 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 Fort Defiance's water come from?
Fort Defiance's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 875 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fort Defiance residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fort Defiance'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.
Fort Defiance'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
Flood & disaster history
Apache 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 Fort Defiance'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.68 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.680 mg/L (2016)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Fort Defiance compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Defiance ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Defiance's water comes from
Fort Defiance purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Fort Defiance's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 875 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Fort Defiance
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tsehootsooi Middle School | NN0400181 | 875 | GWP |
How Fort Defiance compares
Full Arizona rankings →Fort Defiance's score of 43/100 is on par with the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Fort Defiance, AZ
Wikipedia →Fort Defiance is a census-designated place (CDP) in Apache County, Arizona, United States. It is also located within the Navajo Nation. The population was 3,624 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Defiance's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Defiance, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Fort Defiance's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #265 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Fort Defiance's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 176 violations are on record.
How is Fort Defiance'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 Fort Defiance?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Defiance's water come from?
Fort Defiance's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 875 residents.
What health violations has Fort Defiance's water system had?
Fort Defiance has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 43 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fort Defiance's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fort Defiance 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 176 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 Fort Defiance's water compare to other cities?
Fort Defiance ranks #265 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 9% of state cities) and #14705 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fort Defiance's small water system affect quality?
Fort Defiance's system serves approximately 875 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 176 violations on record.