Is Wellton, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 78 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46.4/100
waterverge.com Wellton, AZ — Water Quality Report
Wellton's drinking water received a grade of D (46.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,090 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 453 violations on record, including 72 health-based violations. 78 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wellton's water
Wellton ranks #227 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Wellton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 127 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wellton, AZ water safe to drink?
Wellton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,090 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Wellton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wellton's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46.4/100).
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, TTHM, CARBON, TOTAL.
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 Wellton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wellton's water system has 453 total violations on record, including 72 health-based violations. 78 remain unresolved. 127 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Yuma County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1983. 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 Wellton's water come from?
Wellton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,090 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Wellton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wellton'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.
Wellton'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Wellton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wellton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GOWAN MILLING HERBICIDE PLANT YUMA, AZ85365 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtYuma 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
Yuma County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1983. 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wellton compares by contaminant
Explore where Wellton ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wellton's water comes from
Wellton's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,090 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Wellton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WELLTON TOWN OF | AZ0414022 | 3,000 | SW |
| SPIRIT LAKE INDUSTRIAL PARK | ID1090212 | 90 | GW |
How Wellton compares
Full Arizona rankings →Wellton's score of 46.4/100 is on par with the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →About Wellton, AZ
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wellton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yuma
Frequently asked questions
Is Wellton, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Wellton's water quality earned a grade of D (46.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #227 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Wellton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 453 violations are on record.
How is Wellton'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 Wellton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wellton's water come from?
Wellton's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,090 residents.
What health violations has Wellton's water system had?
Wellton has 72 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 78 violations remain unresolved.
How does Wellton's water compare to other cities?
Wellton ranks #227 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 22% of state cities) and #13875 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.