Hereford, AZ Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Hereford, AZ: middle-tier water safety by the latest federal monitoring.
How Hereford Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Hereford Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 27% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.63 — above typical levels.
Hereford's Water Providers
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Hereford, AZ — out of 6 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Hereford, Arizona (population ~9,713), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 46,334 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Hereford — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hereford: C (55/100)
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
Hereford water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Hereford
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85615 | C | Pueblo Del Sol Water Company | 12,804 |
All ZIP Codes in Hereford
- 85615 [C]
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.
Hereford 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
Hereford Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Lead exposure in tap water isn't just a function of what water utilities deliver — it's also shaped by the plumbing inside individual homes. Structures built before 1986 may contain lead-soldered copper joints, and homes built before 1970 face an additional risk from lead pipes themselves. Hereford's median build year of 1994 suggests the housing stock is broadly weighted toward the safer post-1986 era, but the age distribution shown above makes clear that the pre-1986 share of the inventory still represents a meaningful fraction worth understanding for anyone in an older home.
Most homes in Hereford were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Hereford
Property equity in Hereford runs well ahead of estimated remediation costs — a cost-to-value ratio that sits in the low tier, meaning documented water and safety issues here are the kind homeowners can plan to address without treating the expense as a significant budget event relative to what their homes are worth.
Remediation costs in Hereford are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 19% below the Arizona average.
Hereford: 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.
27% — that captures the slice of Hereford stock built before federal rules removed lead-bearing solder from new construction. Combined with system samples below the regulatory action mark, the picture points to a quiet baseline, with one-home draws as the only direct read on a specific address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Hereford: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Although Hereford's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 14 claims and FEMA maps place 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Hereford has a moderate flood history with 14 FEMA claims averaging $4,347 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>$1,600</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 Hereford
- 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- 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 Hereford, AZ