WaterVerge

Is Topock, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C, with 31 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

4K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AZ0408024
Overall Score
60.9 / 100
Violations
31 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#162 of 292 in Arizona Top 77% nationally
Private
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
CGRADE
Water Quality Grade
60.9/100
waterverge.com
C 60.9/100

Topock, AZ — Water Quality Report

Topock's drinking water received a grade of C (60.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,970 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.

The system has 315 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Topock's water

Topock ranks #162 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Topock 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.

The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
60.9 out of 100 Grade C
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
13.6/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
14.2/20
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 Topock, AZ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Topock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,970 residents using groundwater (wells).

31
Active Violations
1.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 compound
PFAS Detected
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Topock

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 Topock's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60.9/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4620). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Topock's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

PFAS (1 compound) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 22.0000 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

Topock's water system has 315 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

RPTMRTTMONMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
May 2025 E. COLI Open
Apr 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
Dec 2024 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2022 Arsenic Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Coconino 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.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4620
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3241
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-977

Where does Topock's water come from?

Topock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,970 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Topock residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Topock'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

Topock'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
1.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 11% of limit
Safe Level
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
22.0000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
Lithium
Inorganic
Detected
22.0 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · 37% of limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
5
Compounds tested
1
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

315
Total violations
13
Health-based
31
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

315 Total
31 Active
13 Health-based
284 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
100
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
84
Inorganic Chemicals
41
Total Coliform Rule
26
Nitrate Rule
23
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
May 2025 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2025 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2017 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2017 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2007 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 315 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Mohave 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.

1
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
48.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
1
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Sep 2021
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Coconino 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.

Sep 2021
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4620
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
Mar 1978
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #551
Sep 1970
HEAVY RAINS & FLASH
Flood FEMA #294

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Topock'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) 1.7 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
lithium 22.000 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA 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 increased by 0.7 ppb from 2006 (1.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.7 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
3,970
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Topock's water comes from

Groundwater

Topock'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 3,970 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Topock

System Name PWSID Population Source
GOLDEN SHORES WATER COMPANY AZ0408024 3,970 GW
Regional Comparison

How Topock compares

Full Arizona rankings →

Topock's score of 60.9/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Topock (this city)
60.9
Phoenix
37.5
Tucson
38.1
Mesa
40.6
Chandler
40.5
Gilbert
34.8
Arizona avg
42
City Profile

About Topock, AZ

Wikipedia →

Williams is a city in Coconino County, Arizona, United States, located west of Flagstaff. As of the 2020 census, Williams had a population of 3,202. It lies on the routes of Historic Route 66 and Interstate 40. It is also the southern terminus of the Grand Canyon Railway, which takes visitors to Grand Canyon Village.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Topock, AZ tap water safe to drink?

Topock's water quality earned a grade of C (60.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #162 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.

What contaminants are in Topock's water?

Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 315 violations are on record.

How is Topock'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 Topock?

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

Where does Topock's water come from?

Topock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,970 residents.

What health violations has Topock's water system had?

Topock has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 31 violations remain unresolved.

Is Topock's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Topock 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 315 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 Topock's water compare to other cities?

Topock ranks #162 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 45% of state cities) and #12037 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.