Top 10 States With the Dirtiest Water

Millions of Americans depend on tap water every day; unfortunately, surprising amounts end up consuming water that fails to meet trusted safety guidelines. According to a 2025 review by a national filtration company, several states stand out for having the highest rates of water-quality violations in public water systems.

Their ranking is based on publicly available data from regulators and water-quality watchdogs like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Environmental Working Group (EWG). It includes “acute violations” (serious or immediate health threats) and “health-based violations” (long-term risks from contaminants):

10. Oregon: Historically polluted groundwater, especially with nitrates from agricultural runoff. In recent tests, many water utilities showed unsafe arsenic levels and disinfection byproduct contamination, effecting millions

9. Pennsylvania: High PFAS, legacy contaminations, and widespread disinfection byproduct issues

8. Arizona: In parts of the state, especially around Phoenix and Tucson, groundwater and municipal water systems show elevated levels of PFAS, arsenic, chromium-6, nitrates, and other dangerous toxins, impacting millions

7. West Virginia: Some water systems still carry legacy contaminants such as tetrachloroethylene, arsenic, and lead (even in zones designated for cleanup). An estimated over 1.5 million residents may be exposed to unsafe water.

6. Oklahoma: Numerous public water utilities supply water with unacceptable levels of nitrates, disinfection byproducts, or chromium-6 (a known carcinogen), especially in rural or smaller counties.

5. Massachusetts: Hundreds of water systems have failed safety standards, with many residents exposed to HAA5, TTHMs, and in some areas, lead. Over 6 million people are impacted by water at or above harmful levels.

4. Louisiana: Many older homes still rely on lead pipelines. Disinfection byproducts and manganese are common, especially in smaller towns and rural systems.

3. Maryland: Known for widespread PFAS contamination, especially near military bases and industrial zones. Elevated levels of nitrates, lead, and disinfection byproducts have also been reported; and, aging infrastructure and agricultural runoff contribute to multiple violations.

2. New Jersey: Over 290,000 lead pipes are still active and PFAS, carcinogenic byproducts, and heavy metals are frequently reported in water systems.

New York: NY had the highest number of health-based violations, including elevated levels of lead, arsenic, and disinfection byproducts. Millions are potentially exposed to contaminants linked to cancer and developmental issues.

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