Central, AZ Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Central ranks below average for tap water safety in AZ — health-based violations are documented across multiple service areas in recent EPA monitoring data.
How Central Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Central Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 70% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.76 — above typical levels.
Central's Water Providers
Residential addresses in Central, AZ are served by 2 primary water providers out of 2 systems in federal records. Each system maintains separate infrastructure and files its own EPA compliance reports, so service conditions are not uniform across the city.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Central, Arizona (population ~273), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 24,399 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Central — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Central: D (53/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Central water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Central
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85531 | D | City of Safford | 20,600 |
All ZIP Codes in Central
- 85531 [D]
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
Updated daily.
Central Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Central Infrastructure Age
With 70% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Central is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1973 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Central were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Central
Placing remediation in the context of Central's property market, the equity share is low — most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.
Remediation costs in Central are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 38% above the Arizona average.
Central: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 70% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Central.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Central
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 70% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Central, AZ