Water Quality in Grand Canyon, AZ: 54 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 60/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Grand Canyon'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
Grand Canyon, AZ has 54 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Grand Canyon
Water quality varies across Grand Canyon's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86023 | C | 60 | 54 | 6 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Grand Canyon.
Water Quality Overview
Grand Canyon, Arizona receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 60 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Grand Canyon have accumulated 54 EPA violations, including 6 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 18,730 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Grand Canyon'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 Grand Canyon water systems is 0.0120 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Grand Canyon is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 18,730 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 Grand Canyon. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Grand Canyon
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 Grand Canyon Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Grand Canyon's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 19 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 4 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
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 Grand Canyon:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2021 to 2 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Grand Canyon. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-23 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-26 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-23.
Grand Canyon vs. Nearby Arizona Cities
How Grand Canyon's water quality compares to similar cities in Arizona:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon | C | 54 | 3 | 18,730 |
| Rio Rico | B | 2 | 1 | 17,960 |
| Douglas | B | 76 | 5 | 19,568 |
| Young | D | 0 | 1 | 17,682 |
Common Questions About Grand Canyon Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Grand Canyon, Arizona:
Is Grand Canyon water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Grand Canyon's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Grand Canyon tap water? Grand Canyon's water receives a grade of C (60/100). There are 6 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Grand Canyon? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Grand Canyon vs. Arizona Average
Understanding how Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon.
ZIP Codes in Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 86023. 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.