Water Quality in Pima, AZ: 37 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Pima's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
According to EPA filings, Pima, AZ has 37 water compliance violations on record — sourced from SDWIS, the federal database that tracks reportable events for every registered public water system in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Pima
Water quality varies across Pima's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85543 | D | 54 | 37 | 4 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Pima.
Water Quality Overview
Pima, Arizona receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 54 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Pima have accumulated 37 EPA violations, including 4 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 4,561 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Pima'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 Pima water systems is 0.0320 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 52% of homes built before 1986, Pima 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
Pima is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Pima
Pima is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 4,561 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Pima. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Pima
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 Pima Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Pima's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 9 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 7 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | 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 Pima:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 3 in 2022 to 1 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Pima. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-24 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-03-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-30 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-10-27 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-10-10 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-20.
Pima vs. Nearby Arizona Cities
How Pima's water quality compares to similar cities in Arizona:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pima | D | 37 | 3 | 4,561 |
| Parker | C | 11 | 5 | 4,589 |
| Greer | C | 0 | 1 | 4,590 |
| Eagar | B | 12 | 2 | 4,690 |
Common Questions About Pima Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Pima, Arizona:
Is Pima water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Pima's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Pima tap water? Pima's water receives a grade of D (54/100). There are 4 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Pima? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Pima vs. Arizona Average
Understanding how Pima 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 Pima.
ZIP Codes in Pima
Pima spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 85543. 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.