F8/100
Cottonwood Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 22,077 residents · Arizona
What's In Cottonwood's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2021.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
COTTONWOOD MUNICIPAL WATER CW1
Population Served
11,023
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0413025
COTTONWOOD MUNICIPAL WATER VV2
Population Served
2,893
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0413104
COTTONWOOD MUNICIPAL WATER VV3
Population Served
1,458
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0413105
COTTONWOOD MUNICIPAL WATER VV6
Population Served
4,509
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0413106
COTTONWOOD MUNICIPAL WATER VSF1
Population Served
2,194
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0413164
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottonwood Water
Is Cottonwood tap water safe to drink?
Cottonwood, Arizona tap water receives a grade of F (8/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 1365 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Cottonwood's water?
66 contaminants were tested in Cottonwood's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Cottonwood have any water quality violations?
Yes, Cottonwood has 1365 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, MCL, RPT. 142 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Cottonwood?
Cottonwood water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Cottonwood's tap water come from?
Cottonwood's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by COTTONWOOD MUNICIPAL WATER CW1 and 4 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 22,077 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Cottonwood's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Cottonwood's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Cottonwood's water compare to other cities in Arizona?
Cottonwood's water quality score of 8/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Arizona state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Cottonwood's water quality?
If you have concerns about Cottonwood's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (COTTONWOOD MUNICIPAL WATER CW1) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.