Is Vail, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 93 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Vail, AZ — Water Quality Report
Vail's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 3,695 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.1 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 407 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 93 remain unresolved.
What to know about Vail's water
Vail ranks #262 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Vail 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.
The system has seen 30 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Vail, AZ water safe to drink?
Vail'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 7 water systems serve approximately 3,695 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Vail
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Vail's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Vail'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
Vail's water system has 407 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 93 remain unresolved. 30 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pima County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1966. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Santa Cruz River, Tanque Verde Creek, Pantano Wash, Rillito Creek, Canada Del Oro.
Where does Vail's water come from?
Vail's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 3,695 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Santa Cruz River (river), Tanque Verde Creek (river), Pantano Wash (river), Rillito Creek (river), Canada Del Oro (river).
What Vail residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Vail'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.
Vail'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 droughtPima 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
Pima County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1966. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Vail'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. | 8.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Vail compares by contaminant
Explore where Vail ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Vail's water comes from
Vail'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 3,695 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Vail
Vail is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Vail
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAGUARO WATER COMPANY | AZ0410177 | 3,243 | GW |
| PANTANO WATER COOP | AZ0410281 | 156 | GW |
| KAHLUA WELL COOP | AZ0410405 | 99 | GW |
| POCKETKNIFE WATER COOP | AZ0410008 | 65 | GW |
| WILDCAT ONE WELL COOP | AZ0410810 | 52 | GW |
| SUPERSTITION WATER COOP | AZ0410311 | 45 | GW |
| GARIGANS GULCH WATER COOP | AZ0410481 | 35 | GW |
How Vail compares
Full Arizona rankings →Vail'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 Vail, AZ
Wikipedia →Tucson is the county seat of and the most populated city in Pima County, Arizona, United States. It is the second-most populous city in Arizona with a population of 542,630 at the 2020 census, behind the capital city, Phoenix, while the Tucson metropolitan statistical area has an estimated 1.08 million residents and is the 52nd-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. Tucson and Phoenix anchor the Arizona Sun Corridor. The city is 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 mi (100 km) north of the United States–Mexico border. It is home to the University of Arizona.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Vail's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pima
Frequently asked questions
Is Vail, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Vail's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #262 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Vail's water?
Lead was measured at 8.1 ppb (90th percentile). 407 violations are on record.
How is Vail'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 Vail?
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 Vail's water come from?
Vail's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 3,695 residents.
What health violations has Vail's water system had?
Vail has 9 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. 93 violations remain unresolved.
Is Vail's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Vail 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 407 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 Vail's water compare to other cities?
Vail ranks #262 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 10% of state cities) and #14678 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.