Is White River, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.1/100
waterverge.com White River, AZ — Water Quality Report
White River's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 622 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 284 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about White River's water
White River ranks #138 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
White River purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, White River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is White River, AZ water safe to drink?
White River's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 622 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for White River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into White River's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.1/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for White River's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
White River's water system has 284 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does White River's water come from?
White River's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 622 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What White River residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in White River'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
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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how White River compares by contaminant
Explore where White River ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where White River's water comes from
White River purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of White River's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by federal ownership and serves approximately 622 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving White River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dishchii Bikoh Community School - BIA Charter | 090400049 | 622 | GWP |
How White River compares
Full Arizona rankings →White River's score of 74.1/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →ZIP codes served by White River
The water system serving White River covers 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to White River's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is White River, AZ tap water safe to drink?
White River's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #138 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in White River's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 284 violations are on record.
How is White River'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 White River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does White River's water come from?
White River's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 622 residents.
What health violations has White River's water system had?
White River has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is White River's groundwater at risk of contamination?
White River 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 284 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 White River's water compare to other cities?
White River ranks #138 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 53% of state cities) and #9939 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does White River's small water system affect quality?
White River's system serves approximately 622 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 284 violations on record.