ZipCheckup grade for 85281: D.

Federal records show several conditions worth reviewing.

Your top priority: see the breakdown below and consider a certified water filter. Check your ZIP → NSF certified filters

Water Quality Report
D 48

Tempe, AZ (85281): PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level - 48/100

EPA data combined for 3 water systems mapped to this ZIP (largest mapped system: City of Tempe)

PFAS Detected

EPA records for the water systems mapped to 85281 in Tempe, AZ contain 31 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 0 are marked health-based.

Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS

Based on EPA Drinking Water FEMA Flood Data U.S. Census CDC Energy Information Admin. USGS Water Data & 9 more federal sources
Latest air quality, EPA records and weather alerts Current data temporarily unavailable
Current EPA violation data unavailable
Water records and current conditions
Current EPA violation data unavailable
Safety Score
D 48/100
Water Quality PFAS above MCL 31 non-health-based violation records in EPA data
Lead Risk Below action level 0.0044 mg/L, 90th percentile, sample period ending 2024-12-31
NFIP Claim History Claim records 23 claims
Data confidence: High (direct measurement) Medium (sampled / sub-geography) Low (modeled / inferred) Methodology →

At a Glance

  • Water EPA records for water systems mapped to this ZIP show 31 violations (non-health) (since 2021).
  • Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result of 0.0044 mg/L is below the EPA action level for water systems; EPA's health goal for lead is zero.
  • PFAS At least one PFAS result is above an EPA MCL value (UCMR5 sampling; MCL compliance required from 2029).
  • Radon EPA Zone 2 - county-level radon potential, not a home measurement.
  • Flood 23 cumulative NFIP claim records. Check the current FEMA map for a specific address.
Contaminant Summary
Violations on record (not health-based)
31 violations PFAS detected
Report data assembled: Jul 27, 2026 EPA water-system identity: source date or period is not present in ZipCheckup's accepted source record EPA violation history: more than two update cycles old Lead, copper and UCMR measurements: source date or period is not present in ZipCheckup's accepted source record Consumer Confidence Report: source date or period is not present in ZipCheckup's accepted source record
D
ZIP-level Home Safety model score: 48 / 100
Bottom 6% of U.S. ZIP codes
3
Water Systems
165,000
People Served
0
Health Violations (since 2021)
Surface water
Water Source
0.0044 mg/L
Reported Lead Result1.9× the national median for this measure
Zone 2
County Radon Potential · Moderate
$364K
Median Home Value27% above state median ($287K)

Get updates when new water-quality data is available for your area

Free alerts when new EPA data affects ZIP code 85281. No spam - just safety updates.

Unsubscribe anytime. We only send updates when your safety score changes. See our Privacy Policy.

Share Your Area Home Safety Score
Share on X Share on Facebook

Tip: You can also screenshot the card above to share it as an image.

See incorrect data? Let us know

Score Breakdown

Overall Home Safety Score: 48/100

This is the published model score. Component and domain values are shown independently; they are not added together on this page.

Canonical components

EPA water compliance
40/100
Observed
PFAS MCL screen
0/100
Observed
EPA radon zone
50/100
Observed
Annual EPA AirData AQI
75/100
Observed

Required domains

Drinking water
20/100
Indoor environment
50/100
Outdoor environment
75/100

Coverage: 4 of 4 components and 3 of 3 domains observed.

Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.

Safety & Health (8) HIGH

Your Water System

ZIP code 85281 in Tempe, Arizona is mapped to the water system City of Tempe (EPA ID: AZ0407100). This system provides water to approximately 165,000 people from surface water sources.

There are 3 community water systems serving this area.

Water Systems Serving This Area

System Name EPA ID Population Source
City of Tempe AZ0407100 165,000 Surface water
City of Mesa AZ0407095 466,000 Surface water
City of Scottsdale AZ0407098 241,361 Surface water

Other Water Quality Reports in Arizona

Nearby Water Quality Reports

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for City of Tempe (AZ0407100) on EPA.gov.

4 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.

📊 EPA Safe Drinking Water · View source →

PFAS Contamination Detected

PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 85281. One or more compound results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029.

Detected compounds: PFHxS, PFOS, PFOA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFBA, PFPeS, PFHpA.

Highest measured level: 0.0705 µg/L

Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.

📊 EPA UCMR5 · View source →
Environmental Hazards (11) HIGH
Home & Infrastructure (6) OK
Cost & Community (9) HIGH

CPSC product recall notices

These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.

View all recalls →

📊 CPSC · View source →

Protect Your Home in Tempe

Based on local data for ZIP 85281, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.

Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.

Home & Flood Insurance

The ZIP code for this report in Tempe has 23 FEMA flood claims on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.

Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote

Check Your Flood Zone (Free)

FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone

Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)

Gutter Installation & Repair

The median home in 85281 was built around 1982. Aging gutters can cause foundation damage, basement flooding, and mold - a professional assessment can prevent costly repairs.

Typical cost: Gutter installation: typically $1,000–$2,500 for a standard home

Estimate Your Home Maintenance Costs

Window Replacement

The median build year of homes in Tempe is 1982; check the age and condition of your own windows. ENERGY STAR windows can save $101–$583/year on energy bills.

Typical cost: Window replacement: typically $300–$800 per window installed

Estimate Your Home Maintenance Costs

Roofing Inspection & Repair

Active weather alerts in Arizona increase the risk of roof damage from hail and high winds. A professional inspection can identify vulnerabilities.

Typical cost: Roof inspection: typically $75–$300; repairs $300–$1,500

Estimate Your Home Insurance Needs

Service recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tap water in 85281 safe to drink?

EPA SDWIS records 31 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 85281 (primary system: City of Tempe), including 0 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.

Where does 85281's water come from?

The recorded water source for City of Tempe, a system mapped to ZIP code 85281, is Surface water. This system serves approximately 165,000 people.

How does Tempe water compare to the national average?

Tempe's Home Safety Score ranks lower than 94% of U.S. ZIP codes, and lower than 92% of ZIP codes within Arizona.

How can I get my water tested in Tempe?

If City of Tempe supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.

Is lead a concern in 85281 tap water?

The Lead and Copper Rule record selected for 85281 reports a 90th-percentile lead result of 0.0044 mg/L for a water system mapped to this ZIP (record date 2024-12-31). The EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L. This result is below the EPA action level; it does not show the lead level in each home.

What is the radon risk for 85281?

85281 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 2 (moderate county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Maricopa County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.

Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 85281's water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 85281. One or more PFAS results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.

What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 85281?

FEMA records contain 23 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 85281; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is X, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. Claim records do not establish current property risk. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Tempe, AZ (85281): PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level - 48/100. https://zipcheckup.com/report/85281/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-report-85281,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Tempe, AZ (85281): PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level - 48/100}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/85281/}
}

Page version: October 2026.

Nearby ZIP Code Reports

Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 85281

ZIP Code City, State Distance Grade Violations
85287 Tempe, AZ <1 mi N/A 0
85285 Tempe, AZ 1.1 mi N/A 0
85280 Tempe, AZ 1.5 mi N/A 0
85282 Tempe, AZ 2.1 mi C 0
85289 Tempe, AZ 2.5 mi N/A 0
85257 Scottsdale, AZ 3.1 mi B 5
85055 Phoenix, AZ 3.2 mi N/A 0
85283 Tempe, AZ 3.9 mi C 0
85202 Mesa, AZ 4.0 mi C 26
85201 Mesa, AZ 4.6 mi C 26

Contaminants Detected in 85281

Learn more about the contaminants found in your water supply:

Overall safety breakdown

Home Safety Score →

Find the right water filter

Water Filter Matcher →

Compare filters, tests & services

Compare My Options →

Compare with another ZIP

Compare Tool →
Coverage: 15/17 risk factors Data sources →
Get alerts for 85281