Is Gallup, West Of, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.8/100
Gallup, West Of, AZ — Water Quality Report
Gallup, West Of's drinking water received a grade of A (90.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,659 residents using groundwater.
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 46 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gallup, West Of's water
Gallup, West Of ranks #59 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Gallup, West Of 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, Gallup, West Of may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gallup, West Of, AZ water safe to drink?
Gallup, West Of's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,659 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gallup, West Of
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gallup, West Of's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4620). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrite, Nitrate.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Toluene.
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 Gallup, West Of's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gallup, West Of's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 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 Gallup, West Of's water come from?
Gallup, West Of's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,659 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Gallup, West Of residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gallup, West Of'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.
Gallup, West Of'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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gallup, West Of compares by contaminant
Explore where Gallup, West Of ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gallup, West Of's water comes from
Gallup, West Of'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 1,659 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Gallup, West Of
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defiance NTUA | NN3500277 | 1,659 | GW |
How Gallup, West Of compares
Full Arizona rankings →Gallup, West Of's score of 90.8/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gallup, West Of's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gallup, West Of, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Gallup, West Of's water quality earned a grade of A (90.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #59 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Gallup, West Of's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Gallup, West Of'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 Gallup, West Of?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gallup, West Of's water come from?
Gallup, West Of's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,659 residents.
Is Gallup, West Of's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gallup, West Of 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 46 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 Gallup, West Of's water compare to other cities?
Gallup, West Of ranks #59 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 80% of state cities) and #2044 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gallup, West Of's small water system affect quality?
Gallup, West Of's system serves approximately 1,659 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 46 violations on record.