Is Keams Canyon, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.8/100
waterverge.com Keams Canyon, AZ — Water Quality Report
Keams Canyon's drinking water received a grade of B (76.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 925 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 194 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Keams Canyon's water
Keams Canyon ranks #134 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Keams 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, Keams Canyon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Keams Canyon, AZ water safe to drink?
Keams Canyon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 925 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Keams Canyon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Keams Canyon's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4620). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Keams Canyon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Keams Canyon's water system has 194 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Navajo County has experienced 8 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 Keams Canyon's water come from?
Keams Canyon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 925 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Keams Canyon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Keams 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.
Keams 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
Navajo County has experienced 8 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Keams Canyon compares by contaminant
Explore where Keams Canyon ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Keams Canyon's water comes from
Keams 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 federal ownership and serves approximately 925 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Keams Canyon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIA Keams Canyon | 090400054 | 925 | GW |
How Keams Canyon compares
Full Arizona rankings →Keams Canyon's score of 76.8/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Keams Canyon, AZ
Wikipedia →Keams Canyon is a census-designated place (CDP) in Navajo County, Arizona, United States, on the Hopi Reservation. The population was 304 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Keams Canyon's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Keams Canyon, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Keams Canyon's water quality earned a grade of B (76.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #134 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Keams Canyon's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 194 violations are on record.
How is Keams 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 Keams Canyon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Keams Canyon's water come from?
Keams Canyon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 925 residents.
What health violations has Keams Canyon's water system had?
Keams Canyon has 27 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Keams Canyon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Keams 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 194 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 Keams Canyon's water compare to other cities?
Keams Canyon ranks #134 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 54% of state cities) and #9190 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Keams Canyon's small water system affect quality?
Keams Canyon's system serves approximately 925 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 194 violations on record.