Water Quality in Cave Creek, AZ: 44 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 64/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Cave Creek'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
Cave Creek in AZ has 44 EPA water violations documented — the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Cave Creek
Water quality varies across Cave Creek's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85331 | C | 59 | 22 | 0 | View report → |
| 85327 | C | 69 | 22 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Cave Creek, Arizona receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 64 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Cave Creek have accumulated 44 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 10,465 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Cave Creek'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 Cave Creek water systems is 0.0040 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Cave Creek is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Cave Creek
Cave Creek is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 10,465 people across 2 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 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Cave Creek. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Cave Creek
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 Cave Creek Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Cave Creek's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 18 | 2 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 10 | 2 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 2 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 2 | 2 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 2 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Cave Creek. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-27 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-10-29 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-29.
Cave Creek vs. Nearby Arizona Cities
How Cave Creek's water quality compares to similar cities in Arizona:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cave Creek | C | 44 | 3 | 10,465 |
| Williams | B | 29 | 5 | 10,538 |
| Oracle | B | 0 | 1 | 10,585 |
| Winslow | B | 19 | 2 | 10,329 |
Common Questions About Cave Creek Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Cave Creek, Arizona:
Is Cave Creek water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Cave Creek's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Cave Creek tap water? Cave Creek's water receives a grade of C (64/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Cave Creek? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Cave Creek vs. Arizona Average
Understanding how Cave Creek 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 Cave Creek.
ZIP Codes in Cave Creek
Cave Creek spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 85327. 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.