Is Fort Mohave, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 71 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Fort Mohave, AZ — Water Quality Report
Fort Mohave's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,758 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 321 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 71 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort Mohave's water
Fort Mohave ranks #221 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Fort Mohave 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, Fort Mohave may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 47 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Mohave, AZ water safe to drink?
Fort Mohave's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,758 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Mohave
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Mohave's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3241). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-691). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fort Mohave's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fort Mohave's water system has 321 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 71 remain unresolved. 47 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mohave County has experienced 5 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 Colorado River, Firebreak Canal.
Where does Fort Mohave's water come from?
Fort Mohave's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,758 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Colorado River (river), Firebreak Canal (stream).
What Fort Mohave residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fort Mohave'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 Mohave'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 Fort Mohave
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fort Mohave, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GOLDEN VERTEX CORP BULLHEAD CITY, AZ86442 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMohave 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
Mohave County has experienced 5 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fort Mohave compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Mohave ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Mohave's water comes from
Fort Mohave'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 1,758 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Fort Mohave
Fort Mohave is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fort Mohave
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAGOON ESTATES WC UNIT 7 | AZ0408021 | 1,578 | GW |
| SNOWBIRD RV PARK | AZ0408066 | 180 | GW |
How Fort Mohave compares
Full Arizona rankings →Fort Mohave's score of 47/100 is on par with the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Fort Mohave, AZ
Wikipedia →Mohave Valley is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, United States. The population was 2,693 at the 2020 census. It is geographically connected to Needles, California, Fort Mohave and Bullhead City.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Mohave's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mohave
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Mohave, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Fort Mohave's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #221 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Fort Mohave's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 321 violations are on record.
How is Fort Mohave'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 Mohave?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Mohave's water come from?
Fort Mohave's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,758 residents.
What health violations has Fort Mohave's water system had?
Fort Mohave has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 71 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fort Mohave's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fort Mohave 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 321 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 Mohave's water compare to other cities?
Fort Mohave ranks #221 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 24% of state cities) and #13759 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.