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. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. 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.
3 contaminants were tested in Tucson's water. 1 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 legal safety limit for a specific contaminant. This is more serious than administrative violations.
→ Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter until violations are resolved.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 1 PFAS compound detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: PFBA at 8.1 ppt.
Lead — Lead (0.65 ppb) is at 4% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 82 water utilities serving 892K people in the Tucson area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Tucson water, though within EPA limits. An activated carbon or RO filter can further reduce PFAS exposure.
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)
Based on 6 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 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 within safe limits.
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?
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
3 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFBA | 8.1 ppt Range: 0-8.1 UCMR5 - 1/153 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/153 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/153 samples detected | 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 safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
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: TODO: Add from CCR ()