Indian Wells, AZ Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water data for Indian Wells, AZ shows a low safety grade — health-based violations appear across a meaningful share of service areas in current EPA records.
How Indian Wells Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Indian Wells Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 42% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.75 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Indian Wells
Because residential water in Indian Wells, AZ flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Indian Wells, Arizona, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,938 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Indian Wells — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Indian Wells: 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
Indian Wells water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Indian Wells
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86031 | D | SUN VALLEY UTILITIES | 287 |
All ZIP Codes in Indian Wells
- 86031 [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 Indian Wells
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 Indian Wells's Housing Stock?
With 42% 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
Plumbing risk in residential housing tracks directly to construction era: pre-1986 homes may have lead-soldered copper joints; pre-1970 homes may have lead pipes outright. Indian Wells's median build year of 1981 places the city in a moderate risk zone where neither era dominates the housing inventory. Understanding which side of the 1986 threshold a specific property falls on — and whether it predates 1970 — is the most actionable starting point for a homeowner trying to assess their own tap water exposure.
Most homes in Indian Wells 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.
Indian Wells: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given current Indian Wells valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Indian Wells are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 77% below the Arizona average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Indian Wells
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.
Older stock in Indian Wells represents 42% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Indian Wells
- 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 42% 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 Indian Wells, AZ