Fort Mcdowell, AZ Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Fort Mcdowell reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in AZ — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Fort Mcdowell Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Fort Mcdowell Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 20% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.3.
Water Systems Serving Fort Mcdowell
Water delivery in Fort Mcdowell, AZ is handled by 2 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 2 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Fort Mcdowell, Arizona (population ~1,329), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 267,387 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Fort Mcdowell — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fort Mcdowell: 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
Fort Mcdowell water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Fort Mcdowell
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85264 | D | City of Scottsdale | 241,361 |
All ZIP Codes in Fort Mcdowell
- 85264 [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.
CDC Health Data for Fort Mcdowell
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
How Old Is Fort Mcdowell's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Compared to many older metro areas, Fort Mcdowell carries a relatively newer housing profile — the median build year of 1993 places most of the stock in the post-1986 era when lead solder was federally banned from new plumbing. That shift meaningfully reduces the baseline likelihood of lead leaching from copper joint solder. Homes from before 1986 do still exist in the mix, however, and individual testing remains the only way to confirm what a specific tap actually delivers.
Most homes in Fort Mcdowell were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Fort Mcdowell: Remediation Cost in Perspective
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Fort Mcdowell is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Fort Mcdowell are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 27% above the Arizona average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Fort Mcdowell
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.
Although citywide aggregate readings pass cleanly and just 20% of Fort Mcdowell housing comes from the pre-rule era, the difference between what utilities sample and what arrives at one specific faucet remains a structural feature of how monitoring works. Households with kids in the home can find a certified lead-removal filter and a draw-test kit through retailer-verified channels. That step is independent of system-level data.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Fort Mcdowell
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Fort Mcdowell, AZ