Arsenic is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act because of its potential health effects at elevated concentrations; for residents of Tucson, Arizona, the relevant fact is that it has shown up in recent EPA compliance samples — point-of-use filtration is one option residents research, alongside reviewing the utility's published treatment data.

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05

Arsenic in Tucson Tap Water

Arsenic has been detected in Tucson, Arizona drinking water at a maximum level of 100 ppb — 10x the EPA MCL.

This analysis covers 916,333 residents across 54 ZIP codes in Tucson.

Tucson's overall water quality grade is D (53/100).

Is Arsenic in Tucson Water Safe?

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.

Arsenic Levels by ZIP Code

Average arsenic level across Tucson: 100 ppb

Health Effects of Arsenic

• Increased risk of skin, bladder, lung, and kidney cancer
• Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
• Skin changes (darkening, thickening, lesions)
• Developmental effects in children exposed in utero

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the Arsenic Rule (2006).

How Arsenic Gets Into Drinking Water

• Natural deposits in rock and soil (especially in western U.S.)
• Runoff from orchards and glass/electronics production
• Historical use of arsenic-based pesticides
• Well water in areas with arsenic-rich geology

What to Do About Arsenic in Tucson Water

1. Install a reverse osmosis (RO) system certified under NSF 58
2. Adsorptive media filters (iron-based) can also reduce arsenic
3. Have well water tested if on a private supply
4. Boiling water does NOT remove arsenic — it concentrates it

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for arsenic removal.

Related

• Arsenic — National Overview
• Arizona Water Quality
• Tucson Water Quality
• Check Your ZIP Code