Is Kearny, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 159 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Kearny, AZ — Water Quality Report
Kearny's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,073 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 711 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 159 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kearny's water
Kearny ranks #218 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Kearny 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, Kearny may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 60 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kearny, AZ water safe to drink?
Kearny'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 2,073 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kearny
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kearny's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Kearny's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kearny's water system has 711 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 159 remain unresolved. 60 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pinal County has experienced 7 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 Gila River.
Where does Kearny's water come from?
Kearny's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,073 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Gila River (river).
What Kearny residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kearny'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.
Kearny'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 Kearny
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kearny, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ASARCO LLC RAY COMPLEX/ HAYDEN SMELTER & CONCENTRATOR HAYDEN, AZ85135 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
ASARCO LLC RAY MINE OPERATIONS KEARNY, AZ85137 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPinal 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
Pinal County has experienced 7 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 Kearny compares by contaminant
Explore where Kearny ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kearny's water comes from
Kearny'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 2,073 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Kearny
Kearny is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kearny
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEARNY TOWN OF | AZ0411031 | 1,950 | GW |
| BIDEGAIN WATER COMPANY | AZ0411022 | 49 | GW |
| BREEZEWAY TRAILER PARK | AZ0411315 | 38 | GW |
| SAGUARO MOBILE HOME PARK | AZ0411381 | 36 | GW |
How Kearny compares
Full Arizona rankings →Kearny'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 Kearny, AZ
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kearny's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pinal
Frequently asked questions
Is Kearny, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Kearny's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #218 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Kearny's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 711 violations are on record.
How is Kearny'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 Kearny?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kearny's water come from?
Kearny's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,073 residents.
What health violations has Kearny's water system had?
Kearny has 14 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. 159 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kearny's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kearny 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 711 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 Kearny's water compare to other cities?
Kearny ranks #218 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 25% of state cities) and #13744 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.