Is Gisela, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com Gisela, AZ — Water Quality Report
Gisela's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 508 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 85 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gisela's water
Gisela ranks #65 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Gisela 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, Gisela may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gisela, AZ water safe to drink?
Gisela's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 508 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gisela
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gisela's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Gisela's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gisela's water system has 85 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gila County has experienced 9 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 Gisela's water come from?
Gisela's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 508 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Gisela residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gisela'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.
Gisela'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 droughtGila 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
Gila County has experienced 9 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gisela compares by contaminant
Explore where Gisela ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gisela's water comes from
Gisela'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 public/private ownership and serves approximately 508 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Gisela
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GISELA | AZ0404346 | 508 | GW |
How Gisela compares
Full Arizona rankings →Gisela's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Gisela, AZ
Wikipedia →Payson is a town in northern Gila County, Arizona, United States. Due to Payson's location being very near to the geographic center of Arizona, it has been called "The Heart of Arizona." Payson is also considered part of the colloquially defined Northern Arizona region, and the town serves as a gateway to the vast wilderness of the Colorado Plateau. The town is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, the largest of the six national forests in Arizona—and the ninth largest national forest in the United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gisela's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gila
Frequently asked questions
Is Gisela, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Gisela's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #65 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Gisela's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 85 violations are on record.
How is Gisela'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 Gisela?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gisela's water come from?
Gisela's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 508 residents.
What health violations has Gisela's water system had?
Gisela has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gisela's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gisela 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 85 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 Gisela's water compare to other cities?
Gisela ranks #65 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 78% of state cities) and #2935 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gisela's small water system affect quality?
Gisela's system serves approximately 508 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 85 violations on record.