Water Quality in Apache Junction, AZ: 204 Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 71/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Apache Junction's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Apache Junction, AZ log 204 violations — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality Map: Apache Junction, AZ
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Apache Junction
Water quality varies across Apache Junction's 6 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85119 | C | 69 | 34 | 6 | View report → |
| 85120 | C | 69 | 34 | 6 | View report → |
| 85117 | B | 72 | 34 | 6 | View report → |
| 85178 | B | 72 | 34 | 6 | View report → |
| 85218 | B | 72 | 34 | 6 | View report → |
| 85220 | B | 74 | 34 | 6 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Apache Junction.
Water Quality Overview
Apache Junction, Arizona receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 71 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving Apache Junction have accumulated 204 EPA violations, including 36 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 6 ZIP codes serving approximately 77,938 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Apache Junction's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Apache Junction water systems is 0.0027 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Apache Junction is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Apache Junction
Apache Junction is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 77,938 people across 6 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 60 enforcement actions against water systems serving Apache Junction. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Apache Junction
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Apache Junction Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Apache Junction's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 60 | 6 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 24 | 6 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 12 | 6 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 12 | 6 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 6 | 6 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 6 | 6 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 6 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Apache Junction:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 12 |
| 2024 | 18 | 18 |
| 2025 | 6 | 6 |
Violations have decreased from 12 in 2022 to 6 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Apache Junction. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-01 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-03-10 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-04.
Apache Junction vs. Nearby Arizona Cities
How Apache Junction's water quality compares to similar cities in Arizona:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apache Junction | B | 204 | 4 | 77,938 |
| Buckeye | C | 38 | 5 | 73,604 |
| Litchfield Park | B | 10 | 5 | 73,169 |
| Avondale | B | 8 | 1 | 83,001 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Apache Junction
Water quality varies across Apache Junction's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85119 | 69 | C | 34 | 6 |
| 85120 | 69 | C | 34 | 6 |
| 85117 | 72 | B | 34 | 6 |
| 85178 | 72 | B | 34 | 6 |
| 85218 | 72 | B | 34 | 6 |
| 85220 | 74 | B | 34 | 6 |
Common Questions About Apache Junction Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Apache Junction, Arizona:
Is Apache Junction water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Apache Junction's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Apache Junction tap water? Apache Junction's water receives a grade of B (71/100). There are 36 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Apache Junction? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Apache Junction vs. Arizona Average
Understanding how Apache Junction compares to the broader Arizona average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Apache Junction.
ZIP Codes in Apache Junction
Apache Junction spans 6 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 85117. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.