Failing Water Quality
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
22.0
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb | Exceeded |
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS | 5.5 ppt | 4 ppt | 4 ppt | Exceeded |
| PFBS | 3.6 ppt | 2000 ppt | 100 ppt | Below limit |
| PFHxS | 3.4 ppt | 10 ppt | 10 ppt | Below limit |
| PFPeA | 3.4 ppt | No standard | — | Unregulated |
| PFHxA | 3.0 ppt | No standard | 400 ppt | Unregulated |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Bullhead City, Arizona (86429) receives an overall grade of F (Failing) with a score of 32 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 28 points below the Arizona state average of 60. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by North Mohave Valley, a groundwater system providing water to approximately 5,190 people. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Notably, 1 PFAS compound exceeds EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 88 violations, including 1 health-based violations.
A score of 32/100 indicates serious water quality failures in Bullhead City, AZ. The water system has significant violations, contaminant exceedances, or enforcement actions. Residents should strongly consider using a certified water filtration system for drinking and cooking water, requesting their utility's latest test results, and potentially having their water independently tested.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Common Questions
Tap water in Bullhead City, Arizona receives a grade of F (Failing) with a score of 32/100. This indicates significant water quality concerns based on violation history, contaminant levels, or enforcement actions. We recommend reviewing the specific contaminants detected below and considering a certified water filter.
ZIP code 86429 is served by 1 water system using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 5,190 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.
Yes — lead levels in Bullhead City, Arizona are 22.0 ppb, which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This is a serious concern. We strongly recommend using a certified lead-removal filter for all drinking and cooking water, and having your water independently tested.
Yes — 5 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Bullhead City, Arizona, and 1 exceeds EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.
Water systems serving Bullhead City, Arizona have received 88 violations in the last 5 years, including 1 health-based violation. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.
Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in Bullhead City, Arizona should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.