Across Tucson, EPA compliance records fall well below AZ averages - documented health-based violations affect multiple service areas, and the city's sustained low grade reflects a persistent pattern across reporting cycles.

Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS Last verified: 2026-07-19

Water Quality in Tucson

We track water quality and home safety data for 54 ZIP codes in Tucson, Arizona, covering 14 community water systems serving approximately 916,333 people.

54 of 54 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations - 11,772 total, including 1566 health-based violations.

Average Home Safety Score: D (53/100)

Water sources: Groundwater, Surface water.

Top Contaminants

Lead Risk

• Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0006 mg/L
• 49% of housing built before 1986 (when lead solder was banned)
• 6% of housing built before 1950 (when lead pipes were standard)
• Median year built: 1986
• Most common estimated pipe material: Copper
• Lead exposure risk score: 32/100
• Estimated lead service line probability: 14%
• 9 ZIP codes classified as high or very high lead risk

With 49% of homes built before the 1986 lead solder ban, Tucson residents - especially those in older neighborhoods - should consider testing their tap water for lead. Homes built before 1950 are at the highest risk of having lead service lines.

Housing Age Distribution

413,777 total housing units across 54 ZIP codes:

Flood Risk

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program data for Tucson:

• 526 flood insurance claims on record
• $7,270,985 total paid out
• $13,823 average claim payout
• Dominant FEMA flood zone: X (Low risk)
• 17 of 54 ZIP codes in high-risk flood zones (A/V)

Radon Risk

Dominant EPA radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)

• Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
• Zone 2 (Moderate): 54 ZIP codes
• Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Neighborhoods by Safety Score

Safest Areas

Areas Needing Attention

What Tucson Residents Can Do

Test Your Water

• Order a certified lab test - home test kits cost $20–50 and cover lead, bacteria, and common contaminants
• Request your utility's CCR (Consumer Confidence Report) - your water provider must publish this annually
• Check your ZIP code - each area in Tucson has different water systems and risk levels

Filter Your Water

• NSF-certified pitcher filter removes chlorine taste and some contaminants ($20–40)
• NSF 53-certified filter for lead - recommended for homes built before 1986
• Reverse osmosis system removes 95%+ of contaminants including lead, PFAS, and nitrates ($150–400)

Test for Radon

• Tucson is in a moderate-risk radon area
• Short-term radon test kits cost $10–25
• If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, EPA recommends professional mitigation

Stay Informed

• Visit your ZIP code report for detailed, address-level data
• Sign up for EPA water quality alerts
• Review the annual water quality report from your local utility

All ZIP Codes in Tucson

• 85701 [C] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85702 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85703 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85704 [C] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85705 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85706 [C] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85707 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85708 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85709 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85710 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85711 [C] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85712 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85713 [C] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85714 [C] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85715 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85716 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85717 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85718 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85719 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85720 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85721 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85722 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85723 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85724 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85725 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85726 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85728 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85730 [C] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85731 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85732 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85733 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85734 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85735 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85736 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85737 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85739 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85740 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85741 [C] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85742 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85743 [C] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85744 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85745 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85746 [C] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85747 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85748 [C] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85749 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85750 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85751 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85752 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85754 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85755 [C] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85756 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85757 [D] - 218 violations ⚠
• 85775 [D] - 218 violations ⚠

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tap water safe to drink in Tucson, AZ?

Tucson has an average Home Safety Score of 53/100 (grade D) across 54 ZIP codes. There are 11772 recorded EPA violations, 1566 of which are health-based. Safety varies by neighborhood - check your specific ZIP code report for details.

Does Tucson have lead in the water?

The average 90th-percentile lead level across Tucson is 0.0006 mg/L, below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. No ZIP codes currently exceed the EPA lead action level. About 49% of housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned.

Is Tucson at risk for flooding?

FEMA data shows 526 flood insurance claims in Tucson ZIP codes, with an average payout of $13,823. 17 of 54 ZIP codes are in high-risk FEMA flood zones (A or V).

Are there lead pipes in Tucson homes?

49% of Tucson housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was common in plumbing. 6% was built before 1950, when lead pipes were standard. The most common estimated pipe material is Copper. The estimated probability of lead service lines is 14%. We recommend testing your water if your home was built before 1986.

What contaminants have been found in Tucson water?

The most common contaminants by violation count are Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Lead and Copper Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule. Across 54 ZIP codes, 54 have recorded EPA violations. Check your ZIP code report for the specific contaminants in your area.

Data Sources

• Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
• Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
• Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
• Flood data: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
• Lead exposure: Composite risk score based on housing age, water lead levels, and service line estimates
• Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones

Updated daily.

Housing Age Profile

Congress banned lead solder in residential plumbing in 1986, drawing a clear line in housing risk by era. Tucson's median build year of 1986 puts most of its residential stock on the newer side of that boundary - a profile that generally correlates with lower plumbing-sourced lead exposure across the city.

1986

Median Year Built

0%

Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)

0%

Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)

Most homes in Tucson 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.

Protecting Children from Lead in Tucson

0.0006

mg/L Avg Lead (Limit: 0.015)

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.

Lead risk in Tucson appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.

Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.

Climate-Related Water Risk for Tucson

0% of ZIP codes in Tucson are mapped into FEMA-designated flood zones, and the NFIP records 526 claims reflecting a multi-event flood history. That combination places local flood exposure in the range where water-quality implications deserve at least periodic attention.

526

Total FEMA Flood Claims

~26

Est. Claims/Year

Tucson has a moderate flood history with 526 FEMA claims. 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.

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.