Is Organ Pipe Nm, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.7/100
waterverge.com Organ Pipe Nm, AZ — Water Quality Report
Organ Pipe Nm's drinking water received a grade of B (79.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 755 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 53 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Organ Pipe Nm's water
Organ Pipe Nm ranks #118 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Organ Pipe Nm 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, Organ Pipe Nm may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Organ Pipe Nm, AZ water safe to drink?
Organ Pipe Nm's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 755 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Organ Pipe Nm
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Organ Pipe Nm's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.7/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Organ Pipe Nm's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Organ Pipe Nm's water system has 53 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pima County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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 Organ Pipe Nm's water come from?
Organ Pipe Nm's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 755 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Organ Pipe Nm residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Organ Pipe Nm'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.
Organ Pipe Nm'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 droughtPima 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
Pima County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1966. 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Organ Pipe Nm compares by contaminant
Explore where Organ Pipe Nm ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Organ Pipe Nm's water comes from
Organ Pipe Nm'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 federal ownership and serves approximately 755 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Organ Pipe Nm
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORGAN PIPE NM HEADQUARTERS | AZ0410701 | 755 | GW |
How Organ Pipe Nm compares
Full Arizona rankings →Organ Pipe Nm's score of 79.7/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Organ Pipe Nm, AZ
Wikipedia →Ajo is an unincorporated community in Pima County, Arizona, United States. It is the closest community to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The population was 3,039 at the 2020 census. Ajo is located on State Route 85 just 43 miles (69 km) from the Mexican border.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Organ Pipe Nm's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pima
Frequently asked questions
Is Organ Pipe Nm, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Organ Pipe Nm's water quality earned a grade of B (79.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #118 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Organ Pipe Nm's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 53 violations are on record.
How is Organ Pipe Nm'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 Organ Pipe Nm?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Organ Pipe Nm's water come from?
Organ Pipe Nm's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 755 residents.
What health violations has Organ Pipe Nm's water system had?
Organ Pipe Nm has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Organ Pipe Nm's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Organ Pipe Nm 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 53 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 Organ Pipe Nm's water compare to other cities?
Organ Pipe Nm ranks #118 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 60% of state cities) and #8174 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Organ Pipe Nm's small water system affect quality?
Organ Pipe Nm's system serves approximately 755 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 53 violations on record.