Water Quality in Tonto Basin, AZ: 2 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 51/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Tonto Basin's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Tonto Basin in AZ has 2 EPA water violations documented — the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Tonto Basin
Water quality varies across Tonto Basin's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85553 | D | 51 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Tonto Basin, Arizona receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 51 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Tonto Basin have accumulated 2 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 277 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Tonto Basin'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 Tonto Basin water systems is 0.0160 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Tonto Basin is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Tonto Basin
Tonto Basin is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 277 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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Tonto Basin. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Tonto Basin
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 Tonto Basin Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Tonto Basin's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Tonto Basin. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-10-31 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-31 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-10-31.
Tonto Basin vs. Nearby Arizona Cities
How Tonto Basin's water quality compares to similar cities in Arizona:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonto Basin | D | 2 | 2 | 277 |
| Bouse | C | 25 | 1 | 284 |
| Indian Wells | D | 0 | 1 | 287 |
| Sun Valley | C | 23 | 1 | 287 |
Common Questions About Tonto Basin Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Tonto Basin, Arizona:
Is Tonto Basin water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Tonto Basin's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Tonto Basin tap water? Tonto Basin's water receives a grade of D (51/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Tonto Basin? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Tonto Basin vs. Arizona Average
Understanding how Tonto Basin 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 Tonto Basin.
ZIP Codes in Tonto Basin
Tonto Basin spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 85553. 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.