Phoenix Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Phoenix tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. At 228 ppm (13.3 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 33 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
13.3 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Very Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Phoenix Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Phoenix tap water meets EPA health standards, but the water utility has administrative compliance issues.
10 contaminants were tested in Phoenix's water. 8 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Metals — Arsenic is at 6 ppb — 60% of the EPA limit (10 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A naturally occurring element found in rock and soil that can dissolve into groundwater. According to the EPA and WHO, long-term exposure is linked to skin, bladder, and lung cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease.
→ Reverse osmosis is the most effective home treatment for arsenic. Some activated alumina filters also work.
Disinfection Byproducts — Trihalomethanes (TTHM) is at 60 ppb — 75% of the EPA limit (80 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. According to the EPA, long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems.
→ An activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet-mount, or whole-house) effectively reduces trihalomethanes.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 2 PFAS compounds detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: PFBS at 11.42 ppt.
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Nitrate (as N) at 4.3 ppm (43% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 9 water utilities serving 1.7M people in the Phoenix area.
Based on publicly available data from City of Phoenix 2024 Water Quality Report (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Phoenix water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure. With very hard water (228 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Hard is Phoenix Water?
228 ppm
13.3 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 228 ppm, Phoenix has very hard water. A water softener can help prevent scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes. According to the Water Quality Research Foundation, hard water can reduce appliance efficiency and increase energy costs. A whole-house water softener or salt-free conditioner can help.
Range: 158–344 ppm
Based on 133 samples from City of Phoenix 2024 Water Quality Report (2024)
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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
2.71 ppb
Phoenix lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, 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 and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: 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 current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
75% of EPA limit
Range: 4–59 ppb
Arsenic
60% of EPA limit
Range: 0–8.3 ppb
Nitrate (as N)
43% of EPA limit
Range: 0–8.2 ppm
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
28% of EPA limit
Range: 0.5–25 ppb
Other Detected Contaminants
10 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Arsenic | 6 ppb Range: 0-8.3 | 10 ppb 0 | Caution 60% of limit |
Fluoride | 0.55 ppm Range: 0.3-0.8 | 4 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 14% of limit |
Nitrate (as N) | 4.3 ppm Range: 0-8.2 | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 43% of limit |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | 60 ppb Range: 4-59 Highest LRAA | 80 ppb | Caution 75% of limit |
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 17 ppb Range: 0.5-25 Highest LRAA | 60 ppb | Safe 28% of limit |
Chlorine | 0.83 ppm Range: 0.17-1.95 | 4 ppm | Safe 21% of limit |
PFBA | 5.17 ppt Range: 0-6 UCMR5 - 6/52 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFBS | 11.42 ppt Range: 0-16 UCMR5 - 12/52 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/52 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/52 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
33
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
33
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Phoenix's Water?
Utility Name
PHOENIX CITY OF
EPA System ID (PWSID)
AZ0407025
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
1.7M
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Phoenix tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Arizona
Tucson
Moderate water
Mesa
Very Hard 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: City of Phoenix 2024 Water Quality Report (2024) • View report