Is Monument Valley, UT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 67 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
Monument Valley, UT — Water Quality Report
Monument Valley's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,303 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 595 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 67 remain unresolved.
What to know about Monument Valley's water
Monument Valley ranks #136 out of 177 cities in Utah for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Monument Valley 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, Monument Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 61 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Monument Valley, UT water safe to drink?
Monument Valley'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 3 water systems serve approximately 1,303 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Monument Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Monument Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Public Notice, E. COLI.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3223). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Monument Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Monument Valley's water system has 595 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 67 remain unresolved. 61 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
San Juan County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Recapture Creek.
Where does Monument Valley's water come from?
Monument Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,303 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Recapture Creek (river).
What Monument Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Monument Valley'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.
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
San Juan County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Monument Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Monument Valley ranks among all Utah cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Monument Valley's water comes from
Monument Valley'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 1,303 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Monument Valley
Monument Valley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Monument Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Valley Utah Schools | NN4900227 | 700 | GW |
| Monument Valley Mission - Hospital | NN4900222 | 303 | GW |
| Gouldings Trading Post and Lodge | NN4900225 | 300 | GW |
How Monument Valley compares
Full Utah rankings →Monument Valley's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 50/100 among major Utah cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Utah rankings →About Monument Valley, UT
Wikipedia →Blanding is a city in San Juan County, Utah, United States. The population was 3,394 at the 2020 census, making it the most populated city in San Juan County. It was settled in the late 19th century by Mormon settlers, predominantly from the famed Hole-In-The-Rock expedition. Economic contributors include mineral processing, mining, agriculture, local commerce, tourism, and transportation.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Monument Valley's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monument Valley, UT tap water safe to drink?
Monument Valley's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #136 out of 177 cities tested in Utah.
What contaminants are in Monument Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 595 violations are on record.
How is Monument Valley'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 Monument Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Monument Valley's water come from?
Monument Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,303 residents.
What health violations has Monument Valley's water system had?
Monument Valley has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 67 violations remain unresolved.
Is Monument Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Monument Valley 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 595 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 Monument Valley's water compare to other cities?
Monument Valley ranks #136 out of 177 cities in Utah (better than 23% of state cities) and #13150 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.