Water Quality in Black Canyon City, AZ: 26 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 58/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Black Canyon City's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
On record with EPA: Black Canyon City, AZ has 26 water violations.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Black Canyon City
Water quality varies across Black Canyon City's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85324 | C | 58 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Black Canyon City.
Water Quality Overview
Black Canyon City, Arizona receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 58 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving Black Canyon City have accumulated 26 EPA violations, including 5 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 3,345 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Black Canyon City's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Black Canyon City water systems is 0.0120 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 47% of homes built before 1986, Black Canyon City has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Black Canyon City is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Black Canyon City
Black Canyon City is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 3,345 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Black Canyon City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Black Canyon City
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Black Canyon City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Black Canyon City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 10 | 1 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 8 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Black Canyon City:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 | 3 | 3 |
Violations have increased from 2 in 2022 to 3 in 2023. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Black Canyon City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-03-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-25 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-10-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-08-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-02-21 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-10-26 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-03-25.
Black Canyon City vs. Nearby Arizona Cities
How Black Canyon City's water quality compares to similar cities in Arizona:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Canyon City | C | 26 | 4 | 3,345 |
| Cornville | C | 11 | 4 | 3,374 |
| Lake Montezuma | C | 0 | 1 | 3,423 |
| Tubac | C | 21 | 5 | 3,431 |
Common Questions About Black Canyon City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Black Canyon City, Arizona:
Is Black Canyon City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Black Canyon City's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Black Canyon City tap water? Black Canyon City's water receives a grade of C (58/100). There are 5 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Black Canyon City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Black Canyon City vs. Arizona Average
Understanding how Black Canyon City compares to the broader Arizona average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Black Canyon City.
ZIP Codes in Black Canyon City
Black Canyon City spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 85324. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.