Water Quality in Tucson, AZ: 11772 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 53/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Tucson's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
SDWIS records for Tucson, AZ show 11772 EPA violations documented for the local water supply — these span the full range of reportable events from health-based exceedances to monitoring and reporting lapses registered with the federal program.
Water Quality Map: Tucson, AZ
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Tucson
Water quality varies across Tucson's 54 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85749 | D | 48 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85702 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85703 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85707 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85708 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85709 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85717 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85720 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85721 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85722 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85723 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85724 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85725 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85726 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
| 85728 | D | 50 | 218 | 29 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Tucson, Arizona receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 53 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Tucson have accumulated 11772 EPA violations, including 1566 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 54 ZIP codes serving approximately 830,616 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Tucson'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 Tucson water systems is 0.0006 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 49% of homes built before 1986, Tucson 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
Tucson is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Tucson
Tucson is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 830,616 people across 54 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 540 enforcement actions against water systems serving Tucson. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Tucson
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 Tucson Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Tucson's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1458 | 54 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 1134 | 54 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 918 | 54 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 810 | 54 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 756 | 54 | Yes |
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 648 | 54 | Yes |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 594 | 54 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 540 | 54 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 540 | 54 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 486 | 54 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 432 | 54 | Yes |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 216 | 54 | No |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 162 | 54 | No |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 15 pCi/L | 162 | 54 | No |
| Atrazine | Organic | 0.003 mg/L | 108 | 54 | 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 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Tucson. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-27 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-31 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-31 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-27.
Tucson vs. Nearby Arizona Cities
How Tucson's water quality compares to similar cities in Arizona:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson | D | 11772 | 5 | 830,616 |
| Sells | D | 0 | 1 | 732,906 |
| Topawa | D | 0 | 1 | 732,906 |
| Mesa | B | 133 | 2 | 466,100 |
Recommended Water Filters for Tucson
Based on contaminants detected in Tucson's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Lead
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Tucson
Water quality varies across Tucson's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85749 | 48 | D | 218 | 29 |
| 85702 | 50 | D | 218 | 29 |
| 85703 | 50 | D | 218 | 29 |
| 85707 | 50 | D | 218 | 29 |
| 85708 | 50 | D | 218 | 29 |
| 85709 | 50 | D | 218 | 29 |
| 85717 | 50 | D | 218 | 29 |
| 85720 | 50 | D | 218 | 29 |
| 85721 | 50 | D | 218 | 29 |
| 85722 | 50 | D | 218 | 29 |
| 85755 | 58 | C | 218 | 29 |
| 85748 | 58 | C | 218 | 29 |
| 85746 | 58 | C | 218 | 29 |
| 85743 | 58 | C | 218 | 29 |
| 85741 | 58 | C | 218 | 29 |
Common Questions About Tucson Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Tucson, Arizona:
Is Tucson water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Tucson's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Tucson tap water? Tucson's water receives a grade of D (53/100). There are 1566 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Tucson? Based on detected contaminants, a reverse osmosis (under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Tucson vs. Arizona Average
Understanding how Tucson 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 Tucson.
ZIP Codes in Tucson
Tucson spans 54 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 85701. 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.