D
46

Poor Water Quality

Chandler, AZ 85226

Maricopa County · Population served: 273,546 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🌊
GRIC DPW Wild Horse Pass
Groundwater · Pop. 22,795
PWSID: 090400692
🏔
CHANDLER CITY OF
Surface water · Pop. 247,328
PWSID: AZ0407090
🌊
ARIZONA WATER CO - RIMROCK
Groundwater · Pop. 3,423
PWSID: AZ0413046

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
4.5
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

4 detected All below limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBS12.0 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit
PFPeA5.3 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFBA5.0 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFHxA3.5 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

237Total (5yr)
8Health-Based
105Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Chandler

Tap water quality in Chandler, Arizona (85226) receives an overall grade of D (Poor) with a score of 46 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 14 points below the Arizona state average of 60. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 3 water systems providing water to approximately 273,546 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. PFAS testing detected 4 compounds, all currently below EPA limits. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 237 violations, including 8 health-based violations.

Your Score 46/100 D
vs State 14 pts below Arizona avg (60)
vs National 29 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 46/100 signals poor water quality in Chandler, AZ. Significant issues have been identified, which may include multiple violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS contamination. We recommend reviewing the detailed contaminant data below, considering a certified water filter, and checking your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for the latest information.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Chandler, Arizona receives a grade of D (Poor) with a score of 46/100. This indicates significant water quality concerns based on violation history, contaminant levels, or enforcement actions. We recommend reviewing the specific contaminants detected below and considering a certified water filter.

ZIP code 85226 is served by 3 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 273,546 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

Lead was detected at 4.5 ppb in Chandler, Arizona. While this is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, it exceeds the health guideline of 1 ppb recommended by health organizations. Consider a certified lead filter, especially if you have young children.

4 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Chandler, Arizona, but all are currently below EPA limits. While levels are within regulatory standards, some health organizations recommend minimizing any PFAS exposure. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce PFAS levels.

Water systems serving Chandler, Arizona have received 237 violations in the last 5 years, including 8 health-based violations. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in Chandler, Arizona should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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