Is Lakeside, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 163 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Lakeside, AZ — Water Quality Report
Lakeside's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,729 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 863 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 163 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lakeside's water
Lakeside ranks #192 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lakeside 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, Lakeside may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 118 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lakeside, AZ water safe to drink?
Lakeside's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,729 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lakeside
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lakeside's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Chlorine, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Lakeside's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lakeside's water system has 863 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 163 remain unresolved. 118 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gila County has experienced 9 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 Lakeside's water come from?
Lakeside's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 1,729 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lakeside residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lakeside'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.
Lakeside'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtNavajo 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
Gila County has experienced 9 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lakeside compares by contaminant
Explore where Lakeside ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lakeside's water comes from
Lakeside'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,729 people through 6 water systems.
Water systems serving Lakeside
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAVAJO WATER - SUMMER PINES | AZ0409030 | 580 | GW |
| WONDERLAND ACRES DWID | AZ0409060 | 380 | GW |
| PORTER MOUNTAIN DWID | AZ0409024 | 322 | GW |
| PORTER CREEK DWID | AZ0409013 | 250 | GW |
| APACHE ACRES MHP | AZ0409316 | 150 | GW |
| RETAW WATER COMPANY | AZ0409017 | 47 | GW |
How Lakeside compares
Full Arizona rankings →Lakeside's score of 50/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Lakeside, AZ
Wikipedia →Payson is a town in northern Gila County, Arizona, United States. Due to Payson's location being very near to the geographic center of Arizona, it has been called "The Heart of Arizona." Payson is also considered part of the colloquially defined Northern Arizona region, and the town serves as a gateway to the vast wilderness of the Colorado Plateau. The town is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, the largest of the six national forests in Arizona—and the ninth largest national forest in the United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lakeside's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Navajo
Frequently asked questions
Is Lakeside, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Lakeside's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #192 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Lakeside's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 863 violations are on record.
How is Lakeside'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 Lakeside?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lakeside's water come from?
Lakeside's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 1,729 residents.
What health violations has Lakeside's water system had?
Lakeside has 15 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. 163 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lakeside's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lakeside 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 863 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 Lakeside's water compare to other cities?
Lakeside ranks #192 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 34% of state cities) and #13136 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.