Mesa Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Mesa tap water is generally safe, though there are a few things worth knowing. At 252.5 ppm (14.8 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. There have been 92 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
14.8 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Very Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Mesa Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Mesa tap water meets EPA health standards, but the water utility has administrative compliance issues.
5 contaminants were tested in Mesa's water. 3 were detected — all within EPA limits.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFHxS (Perfluorohexane Sulfonate) is at 8.4 ppt — 84% of the EPA limit (10 ppt). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A "forever chemical" used as a replacement for PFOS in firefighting foams and industrial applications. May affect thyroid function, the immune system, and liver health.
→ A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter can reduce PFHxS levels.
Lead — Lead (5.01 ppb) is at 33% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 466K people in the Mesa area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Mesa water, though within EPA limits. An activated carbon or RO filter can further reduce PFAS exposure. With very hard water (252.5 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Hard is Mesa Water?
252.5 ppm
14.8 grains per gallon
Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Dries out skin & hair
Kitchen
Heavy mineral deposits
Laundry
Stiff, dingy clothes
Appliances
Significant scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 252.5 ppm, Mesa has very hard water. A water softener is recommended to prevent scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes. Hard water can reduce appliance efficiency by up to 30% and increase energy costs. A whole-house water softener or salt-free conditioner can help.
Based on 18 samples from TODO: Add from CCR ()
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Mesa tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Mesa
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
5.01 ppb
Mesa lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2024-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS detected but within EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA standards.
Other Detected Contaminants
5 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFBS | 7.68 ppt Range: 0-13.6 UCMR5 - 6/64 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHXA | 3.2 ppt Range: 0-3.2 UCMR5 - 1/64 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHxS | 8.4 ppt Range: 0-9.3 UCMR5 - 4/64 samples detected | 10 ppt Goal: 10 ppt | Caution 84% of limit |
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/64 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/64 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
92
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
92
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Mesa's Water?
Utility Name
MESA CITY OF
EPA System ID (PWSID)
AZ0407095
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
466K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mesa tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Arizona
Phoenix
Very Hard water
Tucson
Moderate water
Chandler
Very Hard water
Gilbert
Very Hard water
Scottsdale
Very Hard water
Glendale
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: TODO: Add from CCR ()