Poor Water Quality
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
4.9
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb | Warning |
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBA | 8.1 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | Unregulated |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Tucson, Arizona (85756) receives an overall grade of D (Poor) with a score of 44 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 16 points below the Arizona state average of 60. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 11 water systems providing water to approximately 743,311 people, using groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. PFAS testing detected 1 compound, all currently below EPA limits. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 186 violations, including 17 health-based violations.
A score of 44/100 signals poor water quality in Tucson, 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.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
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.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
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
Tap water in Tucson, Arizona receives a grade of D (Poor) with a score of 44/100. 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 85756 is served by 11 water systems using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 743,311 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.
Lead was detected at 4.9 ppb in Tucson, 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.
1 PFAS compound were detected in water serving Tucson, 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 Tucson, Arizona have received 186 violations in the last 5 years, including 17 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 Tucson, 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.