Water Quality in Lake Havasu City, AZ: 52 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 68/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Lake Havasu 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
Drinking water compliance data for Lake Havasu City, AZ reflects 52 EPA violations — details in the grid below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Lake Havasu City
Water quality varies across Lake Havasu City's 4 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86403 | C | 66 | 13 | 0 | View report → |
| 86405 | C | 66 | 13 | 0 | View report → |
| 86404 | C | 69 | 13 | 0 | View report → |
| 86406 | C | 69 | 13 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Lake Havasu City, Arizona receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 68 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving Lake Havasu City have accumulated 52 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 4 ZIP codes serving approximately 60,575 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Lake Havasu 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 Lake Havasu City water systems is 0.0031 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Lake Havasu 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 Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu City is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 60,575 people across 4 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 40 enforcement actions against water systems serving Lake Havasu City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Lake Havasu 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 Lake Havasu City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Lake Havasu City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 16 | 4 | No |
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 8 | 4 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 8 | 4 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 4 | 4 | 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 Lake Havasu City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-09-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-09-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-08-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-07-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-07-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-06-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-06-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-30 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-02.
Lake Havasu City vs. Nearby Arizona Cities
How Lake Havasu City's water quality compares to similar cities in Arizona:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Havasu City | C | 52 | 4 | 60,575 |
| Prescott Valley | B | 21 | 5 | 60,822 |
| Kingman | B | 84 | 5 | 61,051 |
| Tortilla Flat | D | 0 | 1 | 62,055 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Lake Havasu City
Water quality varies across Lake Havasu City's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86403 | 66 | C | 13 | 0 |
| 86405 | 66 | C | 13 | 0 |
| 86404 | 69 | C | 13 | 0 |
| 86406 | 69 | C | 13 | 0 |
Common Questions About Lake Havasu City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Lake Havasu City, Arizona:
Is Lake Havasu City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Lake Havasu City's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Lake Havasu City tap water? Lake Havasu City's water receives a grade of C (68/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Lake Havasu City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Lake Havasu City vs. Arizona Average
Understanding how Lake Havasu 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 Lake Havasu City.
ZIP Codes in Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu City spans 4 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 86403. 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.