Is Hayden, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 75 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Hayden, AZ — Water Quality Report
Hayden's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 577 residents using purchased ground water.
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 253 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 75 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hayden's water
Hayden ranks #222 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Hayden 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, Hayden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 28 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hayden, AZ water safe to drink?
Hayden'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 577 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hayden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hayden's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Chlorine.
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 Hayden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hayden's water system has 253 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 75 remain unresolved. 28 violations were 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 Hayden's water come from?
Hayden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 577 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hayden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hayden'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.
Hayden'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 Hayden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hayden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ASARCO LLC RAY COMPLEX/ HAYDEN SMELTER & CONCENTRATOR HAYDEN, AZ85135 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Hayden compares by contaminant
Explore where Hayden ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hayden's water comes from
Hayden 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 Hayden'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 577 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Hayden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAYDEN TOWN OF | AZ0404054 | 517 | GWP |
| ARAVAIPA WATER COMPANY | AZ0411003 | 60 | GW |
How Hayden compares
Full Arizona rankings →Hayden'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 Hayden, AZ
Wikipedia →Hayden is a town in Gila and Pinal counties in Arizona, United States. As of the 2020 census, Hayden had a population of 512.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hayden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gila
Frequently asked questions
Is Hayden, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Hayden's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #222 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Hayden's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 253 violations are on record.
How is Hayden'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 Hayden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hayden's water come from?
Hayden's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 577 residents.
What health violations has Hayden's water system had?
Hayden has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 75 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hayden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hayden 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 253 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 Hayden's water compare to other cities?
Hayden ranks #222 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 24% of state cities) and #13801 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.