Is Thoreau West Rural, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92/100
waterverge.com Thoreau West Rural, AZ — Water Quality Report
Thoreau West Rural's drinking water received a grade of A (92 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,611 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 41 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Thoreau West Rural's water
Thoreau West Rural ranks #31 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Thoreau West Rural 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, Thoreau West Rural may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Thoreau West Rural, AZ water safe to drink?
Thoreau West Rural's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (92/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,611 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Thoreau West Rural
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Thoreau West Rural's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4620). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
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 Thoreau West Rural's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Thoreau West Rural's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
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 Thoreau West Rural's water come from?
Thoreau West Rural's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,611 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Thoreau West Rural residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Thoreau West Rural'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.
Thoreau West Rural'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
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.
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. | 2.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Thoreau West Rural compares by contaminant
Explore where Thoreau West Rural ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Thoreau West Rural's water comes from
Thoreau West Rural'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 1,611 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Thoreau West Rural
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thoreau West-John Willie Camp-Baca NTUA | NN3500303 | 1,611 | GW |
How Thoreau West Rural compares
Full Arizona rankings →Thoreau West Rural's score of 92/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Thoreau West Rural's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thoreau West Rural, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Thoreau West Rural's water quality earned a grade of A (92/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #31 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Thoreau West Rural's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Thoreau West Rural'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 Thoreau West Rural?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Thoreau West Rural's water come from?
Thoreau West Rural's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,611 residents.
What health violations has Thoreau West Rural's water system had?
Thoreau West Rural has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Thoreau West Rural's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Thoreau West Rural 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 41 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 Thoreau West Rural's water compare to other cities?
Thoreau West Rural ranks #31 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 89% of state cities) and #1413 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Thoreau West Rural's small water system affect quality?
Thoreau West Rural's system serves approximately 1,611 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 41 violations on record.