Is Nageezi, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 60 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
52.6/100
waterverge.com Nageezi, AZ — Water Quality Report
Nageezi's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 938 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 157 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 60 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nageezi's water
Nageezi ranks #178 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Nageezi may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nageezi, AZ water safe to drink?
Nageezi's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 938 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Nageezi
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nageezi's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52.6/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Nitrite, Nitrate.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nageezi's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Nageezi's water system has 157 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 60 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Nageezi's water come from?
Nageezi's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 938 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Nageezi residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nageezi'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRio Arriba County is currently in D3 (extreme 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.
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. | 2.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Nageezi compares by contaminant
Explore where Nageezi ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nageezi's water comes from
Nageezi's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by native american ownership and serves approximately 938 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Nageezi
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nageezi NTUA | NN3500296 | 763 | SWP |
| LYBROOK MDWCA | NM3533021 | 175 | GW |
How Nageezi compares
Full Arizona rankings →Nageezi's score of 52.6/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nageezi's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rio Arriba
Frequently asked questions
Is Nageezi, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Nageezi's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #178 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Nageezi's water?
Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 157 violations are on record.
How is Nageezi'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 Nageezi?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nageezi's water come from?
Nageezi's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 938 residents.
What health violations has Nageezi's water system had?
Nageezi has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 60 violations remain unresolved.
How does Nageezi's water compare to other cities?
Nageezi ranks #178 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 39% of state cities) and #12752 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.