WaterVerge

Is Newcomb, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

602 residents served 1 water system PWSID: NN3503016
Overall Score
92.9 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#15 of 292 in Arizona Top 7% nationally
Native American
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.9/100
waterverge.com
A 92.9/100

Newcomb, AZ — Water Quality Report

Newcomb's drinking water received a grade of A (92.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 602 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 32 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Newcomb's water

Newcomb ranks #15 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Newcomb 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, Newcomb may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.9 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.9/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Newcomb, AZ water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Newcomb's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 602 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Newcomb

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newcomb's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.9/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4620). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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 Newcomb's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Newcomb's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

MR
Most recent violations:
Jan 2020 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jan 2020 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2013 Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule Open
Dec 2012 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Nov 2012 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

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.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4620
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3241
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-977

Where does Newcomb's water come from?

Newcomb's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 602 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Newcomb residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Newcomb'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

32
Total violations
0
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Jan 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

32 Total
2 Active
0 Health-based
30 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
3
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
3
Total Coliform Rule
2
Inorganic Chemicals
1
Oct 2013 Active
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2020 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2020
Jan 2020 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2020
Dec 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Nov 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2012
Jan 2011 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2010 Resolved
Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2005 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2005 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2005 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2005 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2005 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2005 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2005 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2005 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2005 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2005 Resolved
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2005 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Jan 2005 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Showing 20 of 32 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Sep 2021
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Sep 2021
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4620
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3241
Jan 1993
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #977
Oct 1983
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #691
Mar 1978
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #551
Sep 1970
HEAVY RAINS & FLASH
Flood FEMA #294

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 1993 (1.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Native American
Population Served
602
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Newcomb's water comes from

Groundwater

Newcomb'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 602 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Newcomb

System Name PWSID Population Source
Newcomb NTUA NN3503016 602 GW
Regional Comparison

How Newcomb compares

Full Arizona rankings →

Newcomb's score of 92.9/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Newcomb (this city)
92.9
Phoenix
37.5
Tucson
38.1
Mesa
40.6
Chandler
40.5
Gilbert
34.8
Arizona avg
42
City Profile

About Newcomb, 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Newcomb, AZ tap water safe to drink?

Newcomb's water quality earned a grade of A (92.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #15 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.

What contaminants are in Newcomb's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.

How is Newcomb'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 Newcomb?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Newcomb's water come from?

Newcomb's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 602 residents.

Is Newcomb's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Newcomb 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 32 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 Newcomb's water compare to other cities?

Newcomb ranks #15 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 95% of state cities) and #1079 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Newcomb's small water system affect quality?

Newcomb's system serves approximately 602 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 32 violations on record.