Copper in Phoenix, AZ Drinking Water
Copper data for Phoenix, Arizona · 1,454,993 residents · 78 ZIP codes
Not every city shows Copper in its water data; in Phoenix, Arizona, federal sampling has confirmed its presence at detectable levels in at least one recent reporting cycle.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05
Copper in Phoenix Tap Water
Copper has been detected in Phoenix, Arizona drinking water at a maximum level of 90 ppb — below the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L (action level).
This analysis covers 1,454,993 residents across 78 ZIP codes in Phoenix.
Phoenix's overall water quality grade is D (53/100).
Is Copper in Phoenix Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 and testing your water independently.
Copper Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Copper Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85001 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85002 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85003 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85004 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85005 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85006 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85007 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85008 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85009 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85010 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85011 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85012 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85013 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85014 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85015 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85016 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85017 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85018 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85019 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85020 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85021 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85022 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85023 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85024 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| 85025 | 90 ppm | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | OK |
| ...53 more ZIP codes |
Average copper level across Phoenix: 90 ppb
Health Effects of Copper
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (short-term, high levels)
- Liver and kidney damage (long-term)
- Particularly dangerous for people with Wilson's disease
- Infants are more sensitive than adults
Health risk severity: Moderate. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule.
How Copper Gets Into Drinking Water
- Corrosion of copper household plumbing
- Acidic (low pH) water accelerates copper leaching
- New copper pipes leach more than aged ones
- Mining and industrial discharge (rare for tap water)
What to Do About Copper in Phoenix Water
- Run water for 30-60 seconds before use (flushes stagnant water)
- Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter
- If pH is low, consider a whole-home acid neutralizer
- Test first-draw morning water to check actual copper levels
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 for copper removal.