Is Tusayan, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 100 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
Tusayan, AZ — Water Quality Report
Tusayan's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,985 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 659 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 100 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tusayan's water
Tusayan ranks #186 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Tusayan 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, Tusayan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 43 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tusayan, AZ water safe to drink?
Tusayan'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 2,985 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tusayan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tusayan's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tusayan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tusayan's water system has 659 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 100 remain unresolved. 43 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Tusayan's water come from?
Tusayan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,985 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Tusayan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tusayan'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.
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 Tusayan
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tusayan, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S. NATL PARK SERVICE - GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK GRAND CANYON, AZ86023 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCoconino 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.
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 Tusayan compares by contaminant
Explore where Tusayan ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tusayan's water comes from
Tusayan'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 2,985 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Tusayan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HYDRO RESOURCES-TUSAYAN | AZ0403312 | 1,710 | GW |
| ADOT AIRPORT GRAND CANYON | AZ0403010 | 1,140 | GWP |
| USFS KNF TUSAYAN ADMIN | AZ0403659 | 80 | GWP |
| SAGE VALLEY MHP | AZ0403299 | 55 | GW |
How Tusayan compares
Full Arizona rankings →Tusayan'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 Tusayan, AZ
Wikipedia →The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, United States. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tusayan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Coconino
Frequently asked questions
Is Tusayan, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Tusayan's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #186 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Tusayan's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 659 violations are on record.
How is Tusayan'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 Tusayan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tusayan's water come from?
Tusayan's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,985 residents.
What health violations has Tusayan's water system had?
Tusayan has 18 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. 100 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tusayan's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tusayan 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 659 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 Tusayan's water compare to other cities?
Tusayan ranks #186 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 36% of state cities) and #13090 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.