San Carlos, AZ Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Within San Carlos, water quality data indicates below-average safety by AZ standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How San Carlos Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About San Carlos Water
- Homes built before 1986: 42% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in San Carlos
A single dominant system supplies most of San Carlos, AZ. That utility controls infrastructure decisions, rate structures, and EPA compliance reporting for most residential addresses served across those 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in San Carlos, Arizona, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 5,619 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in San Carlos — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for San Carlos: 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
San Carlos water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for San Carlos
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85550 | D | GLOBE CITY OF | 7,536 |
All ZIP Codes in San Carlos
- 85550 [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.
Health Outcomes in San Carlos
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
Housing & Infrastructure in San Carlos
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
Pre-1986 construction carries elevated plumbing-era lead risk because lead solder was widely used before that federal ban. In San Carlos, the median build year of 1999 indicates a housing stock where that older fraction represents a significant share of the residential inventory.
Most homes in San Carlos 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for San Carlos Homeowners
Looking at how documented remediation costs fit within San Carlos property values, the equity share lands in the moderate tier — a finding that positions the household financial perspective between routine maintenance and a significant budget commitment, where most homeowners can successfully address documented issues by treating the expense as a planned financial priority rather than an unexpected one.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in San Carlos. The estimated $300–$1,600 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 78% below the Arizona average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in San Carlos
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.
Routinely in San Carlos, where 42% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in San Carlos
- 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 San Carlos, AZ