Is Paulden, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.9/100
waterverge.com Paulden, AZ — Water Quality Report
Paulden's drinking water received a grade of B (79.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,932 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 138 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Paulden's water
Paulden ranks #117 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Paulden 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, Paulden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Paulden, AZ water safe to drink?
Paulden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,932 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Paulden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Paulden's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Paulden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Paulden's water system has 138 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 6 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 Williamson Valley Wash, Big Chino Wash, Del Rio Springs, Verde River.
Where does Paulden's water come from?
Paulden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,932 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Williamson Valley Wash (river), Big Chino Wash (river), Del Rio Springs (river), Verde River (river).
What Paulden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Paulden'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.
Paulden'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Paulden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Paulden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DRAKE CEMENT LLC PAULDEN, AZ86334 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Paulden compares by contaminant
Explore where Paulden ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Paulden's water comes from
Paulden'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,932 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Paulden
Paulden is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Paulden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABRA WATER COMPANY | AZ0413001 | 1,932 | GW |
How Paulden compares
Full Arizona rankings →Paulden's score of 79.9/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Paulden, AZ
Wikipedia →Paulden is a census designated place (CDP) in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. The population was 5,231 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Paulden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yavapai
Frequently asked questions
Is Paulden, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Paulden's water quality earned a grade of B (79.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #117 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Paulden's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 138 violations are on record.
How is Paulden'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 Paulden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Paulden's water come from?
Paulden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,932 residents.
What health violations has Paulden's water system had?
Paulden has 3 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. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Paulden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Paulden 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 138 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 Paulden's water compare to other cities?
Paulden ranks #117 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 60% of state cities) and #8089 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Paulden's small water system affect quality?
Paulden's system serves approximately 1,932 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 138 violations on record.