Is Houck, Querino Canyon, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
88.7/100
waterverge.com Houck, Querino Canyon, AZ — Water Quality Report
Houck, Querino Canyon's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,023 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 15 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Houck, Querino Canyon's water
Houck, Querino Canyon ranks #69 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Houck, Querino Canyon 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, Houck, Querino Canyon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Houck, Querino Canyon, AZ water safe to drink?
Houck, Querino Canyon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,023 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Houck, Querino Canyon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Houck, Querino Canyon's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4620). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Houck, Querino Canyon'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
Houck, Querino Canyon's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
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 Houck, Querino Canyon's water come from?
Houck, Querino Canyon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,023 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Houck, Querino Canyon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Houck, Querino Canyon'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.
Houck, Querino Canyon'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 Houck, Querino Canyon'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. | 2.33 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.330 mg/L (1998)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Houck, Querino Canyon compares by contaminant
Explore where Houck, Querino Canyon ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Houck, Querino Canyon's water comes from
Houck, Querino Canyon'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 1,023 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Houck, Querino Canyon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houck-Querino Canyon NTUA | NN0400280 | 1,023 | GW |
How Houck, Querino Canyon compares
Full Arizona rankings →Houck, Querino Canyon's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Houck, Querino Canyon, AZ
Wikipedia →Window Rock, known in Navajo as Tségháhoodzání, is a city and census-designated place that serves as the capital of the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American tribe by both land and tribal enrollment. The capital lies within the boundaries of the St. Michaels Chapter, adjacent to the Arizona and New Mexico state line. Window Rock is the site of the Navajo Nation governmental campus, which contains the Navajo Nation Council, Navajo Nation Supreme Court, the offices of the Navajo Nation President and Vice President, and many Navajo government buildings.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Houck, Querino Canyon's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Houck, Querino Canyon, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Houck, Querino Canyon's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #69 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Houck, Querino Canyon's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Houck, Querino Canyon'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 Houck, Querino Canyon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Houck, Querino Canyon's water come from?
Houck, Querino Canyon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,023 residents.
What health violations has Houck, Querino Canyon's water system had?
Houck, Querino Canyon has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Houck, Querino Canyon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Houck, Querino Canyon 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 15 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 Houck, Querino Canyon's water compare to other cities?
Houck, Querino Canyon ranks #69 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 76% of state cities) and #3312 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Houck, Querino Canyon's small water system affect quality?
Houck, Querino Canyon's system serves approximately 1,023 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 15 violations on record.