Is Middle Verde, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.3/100
waterverge.com Middle Verde, AZ — Water Quality Report
Middle Verde's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,350 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 161 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Middle Verde's water
Middle Verde ranks #140 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Middle Verde 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, Middle Verde may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Middle Verde, AZ water safe to drink?
Middle Verde's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,350 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Middle Verde
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Middle Verde's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Middle Verde's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Middle Verde's water system has 161 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Yavapai County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1978. 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 Verde River Above Camp Verde, Beaver Creek Nr Lake Montezuma, Verde River.
Where does Middle Verde's water come from?
Middle Verde's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,350 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Verde River Above Camp Verde (river), Beaver Creek Nr Lake Montezuma (river), Verde River (river).
What Middle Verde residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Middle Verde'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.
Middle Verde'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 droughtYavapai 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
Yavapai County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1978. 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Middle Verde compares by contaminant
Explore where Middle Verde ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Middle Verde's water comes from
Middle Verde'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 2,350 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Middle Verde
Middle Verde is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Middle Verde
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yavapai Apache - Middle Verde | 090400116 | 2,200 | GW |
| RAINBOW ACRES | AZ0413340 | 150 | GW |
How Middle Verde compares
Full Arizona rankings →Middle Verde's score of 73.3/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Middle Verde's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yavapai
Frequently asked questions
Is Middle Verde, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Middle Verde's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #140 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Middle Verde's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 161 violations are on record.
How is Middle Verde'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 Middle Verde?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Middle Verde's water come from?
Middle Verde's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,350 residents.
What health violations has Middle Verde's water system had?
Middle Verde has 22 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Middle Verde's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Middle Verde 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 161 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 Middle Verde's water compare to other cities?
Middle Verde ranks #140 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 52% of state cities) and #10104 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.