Is Pinon, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.4/100
Pinon, AZ — Water Quality Report
Pinon's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 21 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pinon's water
Pinon ranks #91 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Pinon purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Pinon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pinon, AZ water safe to drink?
Pinon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pinon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pinon's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4620). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Pinon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pinon's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Navajo County has experienced 8 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.
Where does Pinon's water come from?
Pinon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pinon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pinon'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.
Pinon'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
Flood & disaster history
Navajo County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pinon compares by contaminant
Explore where Pinon ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pinon's water comes from
Pinon purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Pinon's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by federal ownership and serves approximately 500 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Pinon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinon Community Dormitory School BIA | NN0435010 | 500 | GWP |
How Pinon compares
Full Arizona rankings →Pinon's score of 84.4/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Pinon, AZ
Wikipedia →Pinon is a census-designated place (CDP) in Navajo County, Arizona, United States, and located on the Navajo Nation. The population was 904 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pinon's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pinon, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Pinon's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #91 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Pinon's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Pinon'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 Pinon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pinon's water come from?
Pinon's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 500 residents.
Is Pinon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pinon 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 21 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 Pinon's water compare to other cities?
Pinon ranks #91 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 69% of state cities) and #5945 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pinon's small water system affect quality?
Pinon's system serves approximately 500 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 21 violations on record.