Is Springerville, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 43 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Springerville, AZ — Water Quality Report
Springerville's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,972 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 560 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved.
What to know about Springerville's water
Springerville ranks #264 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Springerville 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Springerville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Springerville, AZ water safe to drink?
Springerville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,972 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Springerville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Springerville's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Radium-228.
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 Springerville's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Springerville's water system has 560 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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.
Where does Springerville's water come from?
Springerville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,972 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Springerville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Springerville'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Springerville'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 Springerville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Springerville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SPRINGERVILLE GENERATING STATION SPRINGERVILLE, AZ85938 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtApache 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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Springerville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 11.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Springerville compares by contaminant
Explore where Springerville ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Springerville's water comes from
Springerville'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,972 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Springerville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPRINGERVILLE TOWN OF | AZ0401013 | 1,972 | GW |
How Springerville compares
Full Arizona rankings →Springerville's score of 43/100 is on par with the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Springerville, AZ
Wikipedia →Springerville is a town in Apache County, Arizona, United States, within the White Mountains. Its postal ZIP Code is 85938. As of the 2020 census, Springerville had a population of 1,717.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Springerville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Apache
Frequently asked questions
Is Springerville, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Springerville's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #264 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Springerville's water?
Lead was measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile). 560 violations are on record.
How is Springerville'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 Springerville?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Springerville's water come from?
Springerville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,972 residents.
What health violations has Springerville's water system had?
Springerville has 16 health-based violations 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. 43 violations remain unresolved.
Is Springerville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Springerville 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 560 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 Springerville's water compare to other cities?
Springerville ranks #264 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 10% of state cities) and #14689 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Springerville's small water system affect quality?
Springerville's system serves approximately 1,972 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 560 violations on record.