Tucson Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Tucson tap water has some quality concerns you should be aware of. At just 92.5 ppm (5.4 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 340 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Some Concerns
Monitor recommended
5.4 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Moderate water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Tucson Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Tucson tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.
10 contaminants were tested in Tucson's water. 8 were detected — all within EPA limits.
EPA Violations — 43 health-based EPA violations in the past 3 years across 82 water systems. Plus 297 monitoring/reporting violations.
Health-based violations mean the water exceeded a federal maximum contaminant level. This is more serious than administrative violations.
→ Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter until violations are resolved.
Metals — Arsenic is at 6.64 ppb — 66% 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.
Inorganic Chemicals — Nitrate is at 7.2 ppm — 72% of the EPA limit (10 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A compound found naturally in soil and water, but elevated levels usually indicate contamination from fertilizers or sewage. Dangerous for infants — can cause "blue baby syndrome" (methemoglobinemia), which interferes with oxygen transport in the blood.
→ Reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or distillation can reduce nitrate levels. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective.
Disinfection Byproducts — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 26.3 ppb (33% of EPA limit).
Radioactive Contaminants — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Uranium at 15 ppb (50% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 82 water utilities serving 892K people in the Tucson area.
Based on publicly available data from HydroFlow USA citing Tucson Water (official page returns 403); range 211-228 ppm across third-party sources (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?
Based on recent water quality data, a water filter may be beneficial in Tucson. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce common contaminants.
How Tucson Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
0.65 ppb
77% below average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
211 ppm
66% harder than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Not Detected
67% of cities are PFAS-free
How Hard is Tucson Water?
92.5 ppm
5.4 grains per gallon
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Minor dryness possible
Kitchen
Some water spots
Laundry
May need more detergent
Appliances
Minimal scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: – ppm
Based on 6 samples from HydroFlow USA citing Tucson Water (official page returns 403); range 211-228 ppm across third-party sources (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 Tucson 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 Tucson
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
0.65 ppb
Tucson lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2027-12-31
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”
No PFAS detected in available test data
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. No PFAS were detected in available test data.
Other Detected Contaminants
10 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
26.3 ppb Range: 3.1-39.3 Highest LRAA 26.3 ppb; range 3.1-39.3 ppb. Free chlorine disinfection. | 80 ppb | Safe 33% of limit | |
2.2 ppb Range: 0-3.2 Highest LRAA 2.2 ppb; range ND-3.2 ppb. Extremely low. | 60 ppb | Safe 4% of limit | |
Chlorine (Disinfectant) | 1 ppm Range: 0.96-1.14 Annual avg 1.0 ppm; monthly avg range 0.96-1.14 ppm. ~1 ppm added at wells, reservoirs, and facilities. MRDL 4.0 ppm. | 4 ppm | Safe 25% of limit |
6.64 ppb Range: 0-6.64 Max 6.64 ppb; range ND-6.64 ppb. At 66% of MCL 10 ppb. Naturally occurring from volcanic/geological deposits in Tucson basin. | 10 ppb 0 | Caution 66% of limit | |
7.2 ppm Range: 0-7.2 Max 7.2 ppm (72% of MCL); range ND-7.2 ppm. Elevated - agricultural runoff and natural deposits. | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Caution 72% of limit | |
15 ppb Range: 0-15 Max 15 ppb (50% of MCL); range ND-15 ppb. Naturally occurring from geological deposits in the Tucson basin. | 30 ppb 0 | Safe 50% of limit | |
Trichloroethylene (TCE) | 1.16 ppb Range: 0-1.16 Max 1.16 ppb; range ND-1.16 ppb. Industrial solvent from metal degreasing sites. Below MCL 10 ppb. | 10 ppb Goal: 10 ppb | Safe 12% of limit |
Lithium | 15.9 ppb Range: 0-63.7 UCMR5 2024. Avg 15.9 ppb; range ND-63.7 ppb. No EPA MCL. Naturally occurring in groundwater wells. | N/A | Safe |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND in all active wells (UCMR5 2024 + CCR). Tucson Water proactively removes any well with detectable PFAS. PFAS contamination exists in area (ADEQ program), but none in distributed water. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND in all active wells. Wells with any detectable PFAS are removed from service proactively since 2018. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Action Recommended
Active health-based violations detectedConsider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.
3-Year Violation Summary
340
Total Violations
43
Health-Related
297
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 Tucson's Water?
Utility Name
TUCSON CITY OF
EPA System ID (PWSID)
AZ0410112
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
892K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Tucson tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Arizona
Phoenix
Very Hard 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: HydroFlow USA citing Tucson Water (official page returns 403); range 211-228 ppm across third-party sources (2024) • View report