WaterVerge

Is Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B — but Strontium and Chlorate were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

5K residents served 1 water system PWSID: 090400047
Overall Score
78.1 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#127 of 292 in Arizona Top 56% nationally
Native American
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
78.1/100
waterverge.com
B 78.1/100

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl, AZ — Water Quality Report

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's drinking water received a grade of B (78.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 5,307 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.

The system has 64 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl ranks #127 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl 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.

PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 3.40 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
78.1 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
32.2/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
12.9/20
C
1 PFAS compound detected.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl, AZ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 5,307 residents using groundwater (wells).

8
Active Violations
1.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 compound
PFAS Detected
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl

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

PFAS
1 PFAS "forever chemical" compound detected

Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

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 Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

PFAS (1 compound) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 150.0000 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.

Violation history

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water system has 64 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

TTRPTMRMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Jun 2024 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
Aug 2023 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2023 Nitrate Resolved
Jan 2023 Combined Uranium Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Pinal County has experienced 7 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.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3241
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-977
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-884

Where does Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water come from?

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 5,307 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water.

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

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl'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
1.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 9% of limit
Safe Level
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
150.0000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Detected
3.40 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · 34% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Over HRL
5130.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over HRLUCMR 3 Data
Vanadium
Inorganic
Detected
9.00 µg/L
EPA Short-term HA: 21 µg/L · 43% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Over HA
310.0 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
Molybdenum
Inorganic
Detected
5.11 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 40 µg/L · 13% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Lithium
Inorganic
Above state screening
150.0 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · +20% over limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
1
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

64
Total violations
11
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Oct 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

64 Total
8 Active
11 Health-based
56 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
34
Inorganic Chemicals
12
Nitrate Rule
6
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
2
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jun 2024 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Aug 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 1996 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1996 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1992 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2023 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2023
Jan 2023 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2023
Sep 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2010
Oct 2009 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2009
Jul 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 2009
Oct 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2008
Feb 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2008
Jan 2006 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2006
Jan 2005 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Aug 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2003
Jan 2003 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2003
Mar 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2002
Showing 20 of 64 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Pinal County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1966. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3241
Jan 1993
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #977
Dec 1990
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #884
Oct 1983
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #691
Nov 1977
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #540
Jul 1972
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #343

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
1 PFAS compound detected

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium 150.000 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.6 ppb from 2000 (2.9 ppb) to 2025 (1.3 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl compares by contaminant

Explore where Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Native American
Population Served
5,307
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water comes from

Groundwater

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl'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 5,307 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl

System Name PWSID Population Source
GRIC DPW Sacaton 090400047 5,307 GW
Regional Comparison

How Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl compares

Full Arizona rankings →

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's score of 78.1/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl (this city)
78.1
Phoenix
37.5
Tucson
38.1
Mesa
40.6
Chandler
40.5
Gilbert
34.8
Arizona avg
42
City Profile

About Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl, AZ

Wikipedia →

Sacaton is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pinal County, Arizona, United States. The population was 3,254 at the 2020 census. It is the capital of the Gila River Indian Community.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl, AZ tap water safe to drink?

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water quality earned a grade of B (78.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #127 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.

What contaminants are in Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water?

Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 64 violations are on record.

How is Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl'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 Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl?

PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.

Where does Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water come from?

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 5,307 residents.

What health violations has Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water system had?

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.

Is Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl 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 64 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 Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl's water compare to other cities?

Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl ranks #127 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 57% of state cities) and #8786 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.