Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Tempe School District (AZ): 100 Health Violations

12 ZIP codes · 16 water systems · 10,384,722 people served · Updated 2026-07-19

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Tempe School District: 196 unresolved violations in the water systems serving this district.

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-07-19

C · 68
Avg Safety Score
12
ZIP Codes
16
Water Systems
758
Violations (5yr)
0.0035 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
12
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 Tempe School District in Arizona spans 12 ZIP codes served by 16 community water systems, providing water to approximately 10,384,722 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is C (68/100)

  • with the lowest-scoring area at 48/100 .

Water quality in this district falls in the bottom 51% 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) 0.0035 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.005 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 12 -

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 12 of 12 ZIP codes in this district. One or more PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.

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

Highest measured level: 0.0705 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

100 health-based violations recorded across 12 of 12 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 196 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 216 Yes 12
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 91 Yes 8
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 70 No 10
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 54 No 8
Chlorite Disinfection Byproducts 47 Yes 9
Fecal Coliform Microbiological 40 Yes 5
E. coli Microbiological 39 No 9
Lead Inorganic 37 No 8

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate risk)

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
85008 Phoenix D (48) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85034 Phoenix D (53) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85040 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85042 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85044 Phoenix C (58) 126 19 0.00274 mg/L No
85281 Tempe B (77) 24 1 0.0044 mg/L No
85282 Tempe B (82) 24 1 0.0044 mg/L No
85283 Tempe B (82) 24 1 0.0044 mg/L No
85256 Scottsdale B (82) 21 1 0.0023 mg/L No
85257 Scottsdale B (77) 21 1 0.0023 mg/L No
85201 Mesa C (67) 7 0 0.00501 mg/L No
85202 Mesa B (72) 7 0 0.00501 mg/L No

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
City of Phoenix 1,695,000 Surface water 85008, 85034, 85040 +2 more
City of Mesa 466,000 Surface water 85201, 85202, 85281
City of Scottsdale 241,361 Surface water 85256, 85257, 85281
City of Glendale 234,766 Surface water 85008, 85034, 85040 +2 more
City of Tempe 165,000 Surface water 85008, 85044, 85201 +3 more
Arizona Water Company - Pinal Valley 134,432 Groundwater 85008, 85034, 85040 +2 more
Arizona Water Company - Apache Junction 62,055 Groundwater 85008, 85034, 85040 +2 more
Pima Utilities 20,000 Groundwater 85008, 85034, 85040 +2 more

16 water systems total serve this district.

Lead Risk Assessment

Lead risk: ELEVATED. 5 ZIP codes in this district have high lead exposure risk scores based on housing age and infrastructure.

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 57.4% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 3.4% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 17.1% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.0035 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.005 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L

Schools built before 1986 are especially at risk. Lead can leach from older pipes, fixtures, and solder joints into drinking water — particularly when water sits in pipes overnight or over weekends.

Detailed Violation History

4 health-based contaminants have triggered violations in this district: Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Stage 2 DBP Rule, Chlorite, Fecal Coliform.
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 216 Yes 12
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 91 Yes 8
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 70 No 10
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 54 No 8
Chlorite Disinfection Byproducts 47 Yes 9
Fecal Coliform Microbiological 40 Yes 5
E. coli Microbiological 39 No 9
Lead Inorganic 37 No 8
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 35 No 5
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 26 No 8

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 85008 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 85008 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 85008 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 85008 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 85008 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Tempe School District Schools?

Several factors warrant attention for families in the Tempe School District area:

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 100 health-based violations. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in 12 of 12 ZIP codes. Some PFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.
  • 57.4% of buildings in this district predate 1986, increasing the risk of lead in school plumbing.
  • 196 violations remain unresolved, meaning the issues have not been officially corrected.

Important context: EPA compliance data measures water quality at the utility level. Individual school buildings — especially older ones — may have additional risks from internal plumbing, lead fixtures, and stagnant water in pipes.

What Parents Should Do

Testing

  1. Request your school's water testing results. Under the EPA's 3Ts program, schools are encouraged to test drinking water. Ask the Tempe School District school board for the most recent results.
  2. Test your home water. If your home was built before 1986, lead may be present in your plumbing. Free or low-cost test kits are often available from your water utility.
  3. Ask about PFAS testing. PFAS have been detected in this district. Request specific PFAS testing results from your water utility.

Advocacy

  1. Attend school board meetings and ask about the district's water quality testing schedule and remediation plans.
  2. Request lead fixture replacement if your child's school was built before 1986 and hasn't upgraded its plumbing.
  3. Contact your water utility about the 196 unresolved violations in the district. Ask for a timeline for resolution.

Resources

ZIP Code Reports for This District

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 Tempe School District schools?

Water systems serving Tempe School District have recorded 100 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 Tempe 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 Tempe School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 12 of 12 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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How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Tempe School District (AZ): 100 Health Violations. https://zipcheckup.com/schools/tempe-school-district-az/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-tempe-school-district-az,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Tempe School District (AZ): 100 Health Violations}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/tempe-school-district-az/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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