Is Kinlichee, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.5/100
waterverge.com Kinlichee, AZ — Water Quality Report
Kinlichee's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 867 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 117 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kinlichee's water
Kinlichee ranks #152 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Kinlichee 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, Kinlichee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kinlichee, AZ water safe to drink?
Kinlichee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 867 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kinlichee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kinlichee's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4620). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Kinlichee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kinlichee's water system has 117 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 22 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Kinlichee's water come from?
Kinlichee's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 867 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Kinlichee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kinlichee'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Kinlichee'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.
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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kinlichee compares by contaminant
Explore where Kinlichee ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kinlichee's water comes from
Kinlichee'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 867 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Kinlichee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinlichee NTUA | NN0400321 | 787 | GW |
| Kinlichee Staff Housing BIA | NN0436014 | 80 | GW |
How Kinlichee compares
Full Arizona rankings →Kinlichee's score of 68.5/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Kinlichee, 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 Kinlichee's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kinlichee, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Kinlichee's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #152 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Kinlichee's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 117 violations are on record.
How is Kinlichee'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 Kinlichee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kinlichee's water come from?
Kinlichee's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 867 residents.
What health violations has Kinlichee's water system had?
Kinlichee has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kinlichee's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kinlichee 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 117 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 Kinlichee's water compare to other cities?
Kinlichee ranks #152 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 48% of state cities) and #11071 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.