WaterVerge

Is Huachuca City, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D, with 87 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 4 water systems PWSID: AZ0402019
Overall Score
47 / 100
Violations
87 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#217 of 292 in Arizona Top 87% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
DGRADE
Water Quality Grade
47/100
waterverge.com
D 47/100

Huachuca City, AZ — Water Quality Report

Huachuca City's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,774 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 407 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 87 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Huachuca City's water

Huachuca City ranks #217 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Huachuca City 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, Huachuca City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 36 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
47 out of 100 Grade D
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Huachuca City, AZ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Huachuca City'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 4 water systems serve approximately 2,774 residents using groundwater (wells).

87
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Huachuca City

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Huachuca City's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3241). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING

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 Huachuca City's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Huachuca City's water system has 407 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 87 remain unresolved. 36 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherRPTTTMRMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Public Notice Open
Oct 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Dec 2024 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Pima County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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 Santa Cruz River, Tanque Verde Creek, Pantano Wash, Rillito Creek, Canada Del Oro.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3241
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-977
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-884

Where does Huachuca City's water come from?

Huachuca City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,774 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Santa Cruz River (river), Tanque Verde Creek (river), Pantano Wash (river), Rillito Creek (river), Canada Del Oro (river).

What Huachuca City residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Huachuca City's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Huachuca City'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

407
Total violations
12
Health-based
87
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

407 Total
87 Active
12 Health-based
320 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
89
Inorganic Chemicals
79
Consumer Confidence Rule
47
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
36
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
35
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Nov 2024 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Aug 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Apr 2024 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Mar 2024 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Mar 2024 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2023 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 407 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Huachuca City

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Huachuca City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
U.S.DOD US ARMY FORT HUACHUCA - RANGES
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
FORT HUACHUCA, AZ85613
5.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Cochise County is currently in D1 (moderate 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.

40.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Pima County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1966. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3241
Jan 1993
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #977
Dec 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #884
Oct 1983
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #691
Dec 1978
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #570
Mar 1978
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #551

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 2003 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Huachuca City compares by contaminant

Explore where Huachuca City ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,774
Water Systems
4
Water Source

Where Huachuca City's water comes from

Groundwater

Huachuca City'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,774 people through 4 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Huachuca City

Huachuca City is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Santa Cruz River
river
Tanque Verde Creek
river
Pantano Wash
river
Rillito Creek
river
Canada Del Oro
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Huachuca City

System Name PWSID Population Source
TOWN OF HUACHUCA CITY AZ0402019 1,750 GW
WHETSTONE DWID AZ0402038 940 GW
ASHLEY ROSE MHP AZ0402105 50 GW
DESERT WINDS MOBILE PARK AZ0402353 34 GW
Regional Comparison

How Huachuca City compares

Full Arizona rankings →

Huachuca City'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.

Huachuca City (this city)
47
Phoenix
37.5
Tucson
38.1
Mesa
40.6
Chandler
40.5
Gilbert
34.8
Arizona avg
42
City Profile

About Huachuca City, AZ

Wikipedia →

Tucson is the county seat of and the most populated city in Pima County, Arizona, United States. It is the second-most populous city in Arizona with a population of 542,630 at the 2020 census, behind the capital city, Phoenix, while the Tucson metropolitan statistical area has an estimated 1.08 million residents and is the 52nd-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. Tucson and Phoenix anchor the Arizona Sun Corridor. The city is 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 mi (100 km) north of the United States–Mexico border. It is home to the University of Arizona.

Economic Profile
$44,360
Median Income
$111,894
Median Home Value
$763/mo
Median Rent
11%
Unemployment
Community
42.3
Median Age
255
People / sq mi
13.6%
College Educated
58.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Huachuca City, AZ tap water safe to drink?

Huachuca City's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #217 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.

What contaminants are in Huachuca City's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 407 violations are on record.

How is Huachuca City'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 Huachuca City?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Huachuca City's water come from?

Huachuca City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,774 residents.

What health violations has Huachuca City's water system had?

Huachuca City has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 87 violations remain unresolved.

Is Huachuca City's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Huachuca City 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 407 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 Huachuca City's water compare to other cities?

Huachuca City ranks #217 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 26% of state cities) and #13729 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.