D
48

Poor Water Quality

Many Farms, AZ 86538

Apache County · Population served: 1,506 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

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Many Farms Community School BIA
Groundwater · Pop. 1,506
PWSID: NN0435008

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
38.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Exceeded

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

22Total (5yr)
1Health-Based
14Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Many Farms

Tap water quality in Many Farms, Arizona (86538) receives an overall grade of D (Poor) with a score of 48 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 12 points below the Arizona state average of 60. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by Many Farms Community School Bia, a groundwater system providing water to approximately 1,506 people. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 22 violations, including 1 health-based violations.

Your Score 48/100 D
vs State 12 pts below Arizona avg (60)
vs National 27 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 48/100 signals poor water quality in Many Farms, AZ. Significant issues have been identified, which may include multiple violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS contamination. We recommend reviewing the detailed contaminant data below, considering a certified water filter, and checking your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for the latest information.

Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

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Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

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.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Many Farms, Arizona receives a grade of D (Poor) with a score of 48/100. 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 86538 is served by 1 water system using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 1,506 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 Many Farms, Arizona are 38.0 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.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Many Farms, Arizona during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving Many Farms, Arizona have received 22 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), residents in Many Farms, Arizona should consider: NSF/ANSI 53 certified filter — specifically rated for lead reduction. Pitcher filters (like Brita Longlast or PUR) and under-sink systems both work. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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