Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Phoenix School District (AZ): 1482 Health Violations

78 ZIP codes · 9 water systems · 132,210,000 people served · Updated 2026-06-03

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-06-03

D · 53
Avg Safety Score
78
ZIP Codes
9
Water Systems
9828
Violations (5yr)
0.0027 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
46
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 2
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Phoenix School District in Arizona spans 78 ZIP codes served by 9 community water systems, providing water to approximately 132,210,000 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is D (53/100) — with the lowest-scoring area at 48/100 .

Water quality in this district falls in the bottom 84% nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure — Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") — Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate — Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts — Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.0027 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0027 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 78 —

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 46 of 78 ZIP codes in this district.

Detected compounds: PFBS, PFBA.

Highest measured level: 0.016 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

1482 health-based violations recorded across 78 of 78 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 2574 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 2808 Yes 78
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 1326 Yes 78
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 858 No 78
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 702 No 78
Fecal Coliform Microbiological 624 Yes 78
Chlorite Disinfection Byproducts 546 Yes 78
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 546 No 78
E. coli Microbiological 546 No 78

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate risk)

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
85001 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85002 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85003 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85004 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85005 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85006 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85007 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85008 Phoenix D (48) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85009 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85010 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85011 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85012 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85013 Phoenix D (48) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85014 Phoenix D (48) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85015 Phoenix D (48) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85016 Phoenix D (48) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85017 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85018 Phoenix D (48) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85019 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85020 Phoenix D (48) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85021 Phoenix D (48) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85022 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85023 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85024 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85025 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85026 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85027 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85028 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85029 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85030 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85031 Phoenix D (48) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85032 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85033 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85034 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85035 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85036 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85037 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85038 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85039 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85040 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85041 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85042 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85043 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85044 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85045 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85046 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85048 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85050 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85051 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85053 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85054 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85055 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85060 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85061 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85062 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85063 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85064 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85065 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85066 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85067 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85068 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85069 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85070 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85071 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85072 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85073 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85074 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85075 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85076 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85078 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85079 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85080 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85082 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85083 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85085 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85086 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85097 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85098 Phoenix D (50) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school — The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water — Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS — If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home — If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed — Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Phoenix School District schools?

Water systems serving Phoenix School District have recorded 1482 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Phoenix School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Phoenix School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 46 of 78 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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