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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Huachuca City, AZ water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Huachuca City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Huachuca City's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Huachuca City's water supply.
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.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Huachuca City'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.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S.DOD US ARMY FORT HUACHUCA - RANGES FORT HUACHUCA, AZ85613 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtCochise 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
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.
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 Huachuca City compares by contaminant
Explore where Huachuca City ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Huachuca City's water comes from
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.
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.
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 |
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.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →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.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Huachuca City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cochise
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.