Tonto Basin, AZ: Lead Above EPA Limits — 51/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Tonto Basin, AZ water systems: poor compliance record, lower-tier safety grade.
How Tonto Basin Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Tonto Basin Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 2 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.016 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 27% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Tonto Basin
Federal drinking water records identify 2 systems in Tonto Basin, AZ. The leading 2 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Tonto Basin, Arizona, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,629 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Tonto Basin: D (51/100)
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
Tonto Basin water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0160 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85553 | D | 2 | 0 | North Bay Estates |
All ZIP Codes in Tonto Basin
- 85553 [D] — 2 violations
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 Tonto Basin
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
Top Contaminants in Tonto Basin Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Tonto Basin
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
Why does housing age matter for water safety? Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered copper plumbing joints — a practice banned that year. Tonto Basin's median build year of 1991 places much of the city's housing in the post-ban era, reducing that specific risk pathway for most residents.
Most homes in Tonto Basin 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 Tonto Basin Homeowners
Low proportionality — that's the Tonto Basin picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Tonto Basin are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 17% below the Arizona average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Tonto Basin
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.
Before the federal solder ban, lead solder was a routine plumbing material, and 27% of the Tonto Basin inventory was built in that earlier era — a share large enough to move household-level reads onto the standard list.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Tonto Basin
Multiple flood events have been recorded for Tonto Basin through the NFIP — 19 claims in total, with 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated zones — pointing to a flood exposure profile that merits inclusion in a water quality assessment without reaching high-severity planning territory.
Tonto Basin has a moderate flood history with 19 FEMA claims averaging $26,758 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,200</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Tonto Basin
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Stage 1 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Tonto Basin's water.
- 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 Tonto Basin, AZ