Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03

Federal EPA data for Phoenix, AZ shows 9828 water compliance events in the record — the table below identifies system names and violation types.

Water Quality Map: Phoenix, AZ

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.

A B C D F

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Phoenix

Water quality varies across Phoenix's 78 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations	Health
85008	D	48	126	19	View report →
85013	D	48	126	19	View report →
85014	D	48	126	19	View report →
85015	D	48	126	19	View report →
85016	D	48	126	19	View report →
85018	D	48	126	19	View report →
85020	D	48	126	19	View report →
85021	D	48	126	19	View report →
85031	D	48	126	19	View report →
85002	D	50	126	19	View report →
85010	D	50	126	19	View report →
85011	D	50	126	19	View report →
85024	D	50	126	19	View report →
85025	D	50	126	19	View report →
85026	D	50	126	19	View report →

Water Quality Overview

Phoenix, Arizona receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 53 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).

The 5 water systems serving Phoenix have accumulated 9828 EPA violations, including 1482 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 78 ZIP codes serving approximately 2,146,253 people.

What Grade D Means

A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Phoenix's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.

Lead Levels

The average 90th percentile lead level across Phoenix water systems is 0.0027 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.

With 53% of homes built before 1986, Phoenix has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.

Radon Risk

Phoenix is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.

Water Systems Serving Phoenix

Phoenix is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,146,253 people across 78 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 780 enforcement actions against water systems serving Phoenix. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.

How to Check Your Water in Phoenix

1. Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores

2. Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants

3. 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

4. Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics

5. Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts

Contaminants Detected in Phoenix Water Systems

The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Phoenix's water systems:

MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.

EPA Enforcement History

The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Phoenix. Recent actions:

Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-30.

Phoenix vs. Nearby Arizona Cities

How Phoenix's water quality compares to similar cities in Arizona:

Recommended Water Filters for Phoenix

Based on contaminants detected in Phoenix's water supply, these filter types are recommended:

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

• Removes: Chlorite
• Effectiveness: 70-90%
• Cost range: $100–$600
• Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
• Recommended products:
  • Aquasana AQ-5200

Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)

• Removes: Lead, Copper
• Effectiveness: 95-99%
• Cost range: $150–$500
• Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
• Recommended products:
  • Waterdrop G3P800
  • Aquasana AQ-5200
  • Clearly Filtered Pitcher

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Phoenix

Water quality varies across Phoenix's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:

Common Questions About Phoenix Water

These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Phoenix, Arizona:

Is Phoenix water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Phoenix's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.

Can I drink Phoenix tap water? Phoenix's water receives a grade of D (53/100). There are 1482 health-based violations — consider filtration.

What is the best water filter for Phoenix? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.

Phoenix vs. Arizona Average

Understanding how Phoenix 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 Phoenix.

ZIP Codes in Phoenix

Phoenix spans 78 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 85001. 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.