Cave Creek, AZ: 44 Violations — 64/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Cave Creek lands near the AZ median for water safety — compliance results are mixed, and the city's middle-grade standing reflects genuine variability across service areas rather than one problem driving the whole picture.
How Cave Creek Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Cave Creek Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 44 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.004 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,850 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.3.
Cave Creek's Water Providers
Cave Creek, AZ draws its residential water from 3 separate providers among the 5 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Cave Creek, Arizona (population ~31,866), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 1,946,826 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cave Creek: C (64/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Cave Creek water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0040 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | 27 | 2 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 15 | 2 |
| Contaminant 1919 | Other | 6 | 2 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Contaminant 1996 | Other | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85327 | C | 22 | 0 | Cave Creek Water |
| 85331 | C | 22 | 0 | Cave Creek Water |
All ZIP Codes in Cave Creek
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
Updated daily.
Cave Creek Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Cave Creek's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Cave Creek
Remediation costs in Cave Creek are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Cave Creek are relatively low compared to home values. The $950–$3,000 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 121% above the Arizona average.
Cave Creek: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Cave Creek appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Cave Creek: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Multiple flood events have been recorded for Cave Creek through the NFIP — 62 claims in total, with 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated zones — pointing to a flood exposure profile that merits inclusion in a water quality assessment without reaching high-severity planning territory.
Cave Creek has a moderate flood history with 62 FEMA claims averaging $4,926 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,850</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Cave Creek
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for E. coli can reduce the most common contaminant found in Cave Creek's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Cave Creek, AZ