Is Star Valley, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 65 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Star Valley, AZ — Water Quality Report
Star Valley's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,793 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 628 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 65 remain unresolved.
What to know about Star Valley's water
Star Valley ranks #190 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Star Valley 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, Star Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 44 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Star Valley, AZ water safe to drink?
Star Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,793 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Star Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Star Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Star Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Star Valley's water system has 628 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 65 remain unresolved. 44 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gila County has experienced 9 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 Star Valley's water come from?
Star Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,793 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Star Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Star Valley'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.
Star Valley'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 droughtGila 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
Gila County has experienced 9 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Star Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Star Valley ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Star Valley's water comes from
Star Valley'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 1,793 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Star Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF STAR VALLEY WATER DEPARTMENT | AZ0404037 | 1,157 | GW |
| LAMPLIGHTER RV RESORT | AZ0404324 | 308 | GW |
| LIL W RANCH | AZ0404141 | 190 | GW |
| PINE VIEW RV PARK | AZ0404069 | 138 | GW |
How Star Valley compares
Full Arizona rankings →Star Valley's score of 50/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Star Valley, AZ
Wikipedia →Payson is a town in northern Gila County, Arizona, United States. Due to Payson's location being very near to the geographic center of Arizona, it has been called "The Heart of Arizona." Payson is also considered part of the colloquially defined Northern Arizona region, and the town serves as a gateway to the vast wilderness of the Colorado Plateau. The town is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, the largest of the six national forests in Arizona—and the ninth largest national forest in the United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Star Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gila
Frequently asked questions
Is Star Valley, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Star Valley's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #190 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Star Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 628 violations are on record.
How is Star Valley'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 Star Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Star Valley's water come from?
Star Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,793 residents.
What health violations has Star Valley's water system had?
Star Valley has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 65 violations remain unresolved.
Is Star Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Star Valley 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 628 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 Star Valley's water compare to other cities?
Star Valley ranks #190 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 35% of state cities) and #13133 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.