Is Tucson, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Strontium, 1,4-Dioxane and 3 more were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
38.1/100
waterverge.com Tucson, AZ — Water Quality Report
Tucson's drinking water received a grade of F (38.1 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 82 water systems serve approximately 893,558 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 8 PFAS compounds, with levels exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels in the water supply.
The system has 11665 violations on record, including 150 health-based violations. 1177 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tucson's water
Tucson ranks #284 out of 292 cities in Arizona for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Tucson relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Of particular concern: PFAS "forever chemical" levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. These synthetic compounds don't break down naturally and require specialized filtration such as reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 9.40 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a major metropolitan system serving over 894K residents, Tucson faces large-scale infrastructure challenges including aging pipes and the complexity of treating water across a vast distribution network.
The system has seen 469 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tucson, AZ water safe to drink?
Tucson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (38.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 82 water systems serve approximately 893,558 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tucson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
PFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or activated carbon filtration recommended.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tucson's water quality assessment. Grade: F (38.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Chlorine, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3241). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tucson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon filtration strongly recommended.
The "Erin Brockovich" chemical. There is no federal MCL, but California has set a limit of 10 µg/L. Reverse osmosis filtration is effective at removing hexavalent chromium.
PFAS "forever chemicals" detected
UCMR 5 testing found 8 PFAS compounds in Tucson's water supply. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist indefinitely in the environment and the human body.
Violation history
Tucson's water system has 11,665 total violations on record, including 150 health-based violations. 1,177 remain unresolved. 469 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pima County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1966. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Santa Cruz River, Tanque Verde Creek, Pantano Wash, Rillito Creek, Canada Del Oro.
Where does Tucson's water come from?
Tucson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 82 water systems serving approximately 893,558 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Santa Cruz River (river), Tanque Verde Creek (river), Pantano Wash (river), Rillito Creek (river), Canada Del Oro (river).
What Tucson residents can do
Recommended: Reverse osmosis system. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tucson's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Tucson's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Tucson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tucson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MATERION CERAMICS INC. TUCSON, AZ85706 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
JENSEN PRECAST TUCSON, AZ85706 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
LEARJET INC TUCSON, AZ85756 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
CALPORTLAND CO SWAN PLANT TUCSON, AZ85706 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
U.S. DOD USAF DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB TUCSON, AZ85707 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Tucson
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AREA4.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPima County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Pima County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1966. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Tucson's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | 228.000 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | 0.008 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | 0.005 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | 0.003 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | 0.009 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | 0.005 | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Over MCL |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | 0.006 | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Over MCL |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | 0.004 | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tucson compares by contaminant
Explore where Tucson ranks among all Arizona cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tucson's water comes from
Tucson's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 893,558 people through 82 water systems.
Water bodies near Tucson
Tucson is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tucson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TUCSON CITY OF | AZ0410112 | 732,906 | GW |
| METROPOLITAN DWID | AZ0410076 | 45,570 | GW |
| USAF DAVIS MONTHAN AFB | AZ0420549 | 18,640 | GW |
| VAIL WATER COMPANY | AZ0410041 | 17,500 | GW |
| FLOWING WELLS IRRIGATION DISTRICT | AZ0410051 | 16,000 | GW |
| TUCSON WATER CORONA DE TUCSON | AZ0410169 | 10,217 | GW |
| AVRA WATER COOP INC | AZ0410006 | 6,685 | GW |
| METROPOLITAN DWID - DIABLO VILLAGE | AZ0410357 | 5,542 | GW |
| ADOC TUCSON | AZ0420557 | 4,500 | GW |
| RAY WATER COMPANY INC | AZ0410095 | 4,495 | GW |
| METROPOLITAN DWID - HUB | AZ0410060 | 4,252 | GW |
| SPANISH TRAIL WATER COMPANY | AZ0410127 | 3,822 | GW |
| VOYAGER WATER COMPANY | AZ0410035 | 3,209 | GW |
| Mission View Mobile Home Park (Tucson Water Consec | 090400228 | 1,125 | GWP |
| TOWN & COUNTRY ESTATES | AZ0420109 | 960 | GW |
| RINCON COUNTRY EAST RV PARK | AZ0420602 | 912 | GW |
| METROPOLITAN DWID - E&T SYSTEM | AZ0410046 | 880 | GW |
| SANDARIO WATER COMPANY | AZ0410093 | 870 | GW |
| FAR HORIZONS EAST MHP | AZ0420443 | 870 | GW |
| LAKEWOOD ESTATES WATER COMPANY | AZ0410063 | 722 | GW |
| MISSION PALMS APARTMENTS | AZ0420570 | 720 | GW |
| GW OCOTILLO WATER - DIAMOND BELL | AZ0410159 | 706 | GW |
| WINTERHAVEN WATER DEVELOPMENT | AZ0410119 | 685 | GW |
| LA CASITA WATER COMPANY 3 | AZ0420606 | 605 | GW |
| VISTA DEL NORTE MHP | AZ0420439 | 554 | GW |
| TRAILS WEST MHP | AZ0410408 | 500 | GWP |
| CAMPBELL ESTATES MHP | AZ0420019 | 450 | GW |
| THIM UTILITY COMPANY 2 | AZ0410228 | 445 | GW |
| CACTUS COUNTRY RV RESORT | AZ0420197 | 420 | GW |
| DIAMOND GROVE MOBILE HOME ESTATES | AZ0420542 | 385 | GW |
| LAZY C WATER SERVICE | AZ0410065 | 359 | GW |
| FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INST | AZ0410187 | 350 | GW |
| BELLA CAPRI MHP | AZ0420445 | 342 | GW |
| MESALAND WATER COMPANY | AZ0410074 | 294 | GW |
| RIO VIEJO WATER | AZ0410011 | 272 | GW |
| TIERRA LINDA HOA WATER COMPANY | AZ0410411 | 266 | GW |
| RIO MERCADO WATER | AZ0410968 | 266 | GW |
| GW OCOTILLO WATER - SILVERBELL WEST | AZ0410162 | 263 | GW |
| LA CASITA WATER COMPANY 2 | AZ0410410 | 261 | GW |
| SIERRITA MOUNTAIN WATER COOP | AZ0410208 | 258 | GW |
| FAR HORIZONS MHP | AZ0420042 | 258 | GW |
| GW SAGUARO DIST WATER CO - TALA WAY | AZ0410283 | 255 | GW |
| LA CHOLLA AIRPARK | AZ0420597 | 250 | GWP |
| THIM WATER COMPANY 2 | AZ0410264 | 247 | GW |
| GW SAGUARO DIST WATER CO - RINCON | AZ0410144 | 232 | GW |
| RANCHWOOD COMMUNITY | AZ0420205 | 225 | GW |
| DESERT SHORES RV MHP | AZ0420033 | 220 | GW |
| RIO VISTA MOBILE HOME PARK | AZ0420487 | 217 | GW |
| HALCYON ACRES WATER USERS ASSOCIATION | AZ0410057 | 215 | GW |
| CRESCENT MANOR MHP | AZ0420026 | 200 | GW |
| GW SAGUARO DIST WATER CO - MIRABELL | AZ0410178 | 180 | GW |
| GW OCOTILLO WATER - THUNDERHEAD | AZ0410179 | 174 | GW |
| LA CASITA WATER COMPANY 1 | AZ0410409 | 174 | GW |
| SILVER CHOLLA LLC | AZ0420478 | 168 | GW |
| CASITAS DE CASTILIAN | AZ0420531 | 167 | GW |
| HALCYON ACRES 2 | AZ0410058 | 164 | GW |
| VIA VERDE WEST MHP | AZ0420420 | 156 | GW |
| SAMALAYUCA IMPROVEMENT ASSOC | AZ0410101 | 150 | GW |
| DESERT WATER COOP | AZ0410188 | 150 | GW |
| NORTH LA CHOLLA MHP | AZ0420043 | 150 | GW |
| RAINDANCE WATER COOP | AZ0410278 | 148 | GW |
| CATALINA VILLAGE | AZ0410219 | 107 | GW |
| THIM UTILITY COMPANY - RANCHO VISTA | AZ0410351 | 105 | GW |
| CROSSROADS PARK MHP | AZ0420096 | 100 | GW |
| WELLS FARGO WATER COMPANY | AZ0410269 | 83 | GW |
| METROPOLITAN DWID - LAZY B | AZ0410218 | 77 | GW |
| CATALINA COUNTRY ESTATES | AZ0420500 | 77 | GW |
| RINCON MESA LANDOWNERS | AZ0410199 | 75 | GW |
| RIVERSIDE APARTMENTS | AZ0420129 | 75 | GW |
| HIGH CHAPARRAL WATER COOP | AZ0410282 | 72 | GW |
| CAROLANNE DRIVE HOA | AZ0420529 | 72 | GW |
| GW SAGUARO DIST WATER CO - TORTOLITA | AZ0410154 | 69 | GW |
| THIM UTILITY COMPANY - PARKIN | AZ0410250 | 69 | GW |
| CAMMIES FOOTHILLS VISTA MHC | AZ0420575 | 62 | GW |
| RANCHO SIERRITA WELL ASSOC | AZ0410286 | 55 | GW |
| SUMMIT WATER COOP | AZ0420595 | 53 | GW |
| SIERRA COURT MHC LLC | AZ0420092 | 51 | GW |
| PICO VISTA COMMUNITY WELL | AZ0410435 | 49 | GW |
| KLAFTER WELL COOP | AZ0410400 | 45 | GW |
| WILMOT WATER USERS GROUP | AZ0410402 | 30 | GW |
| GATOR WATER COMPANY | AZ0410445 | 29 | GW |
| SIETE CASAS JOINT VENTURE | AZ0410242 | 25 | GW |
How Tucson compares
Full Arizona rankings →Tucson's score of 38.1/100 is on par with the average of 41/100 among major Arizona cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arizona rankings →Compare Tucson water quality
Head-to-head reports vs other large US cities — grades, lead, PFAS, and Superfund / TRI proximity.
- Tucson vs Phoenix, AZ
- Tucson vs Burlingame, CA
- Tucson vs Indianapolis, IN
- Tucson vs Jacksonville, FL
- Tucson vs Nashville, TN
About Tucson, AZ
Wikipedia →Tucson is the county seat of and the most populated city in Pima County, Arizona, United States. It is the second-most populous city in Arizona with a population of 542,630 at the 2020 census, behind the capital city, Phoenix, while the Tucson metropolitan statistical area has an estimated 1.08 million residents and is the 52nd-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. Tucson and Phoenix anchor the Arizona Sun Corridor. The city is 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 mi (100 km) north of the United States–Mexico border. It is home to the University of Arizona.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tucson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pima
Frequently asked questions
Is Tucson, AZ tap water safe to drink?
Tucson's water quality earned a grade of F (38.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #284 out of 292 cities tested in Arizona.
What contaminants are in Tucson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 PFAS compounds were detected. 11665 violations are on record.
How is Tucson's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Tucson?
PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended.
Where does Tucson's water come from?
Tucson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 82 water systems serving approximately 893,558 residents.
What health violations has Tucson's water system had?
Tucson has 150 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1177 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tucson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tucson uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 11665 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
Why does Tucson have so many PFAS compounds in its water?
8 different PFAS "forever chemical" compounds were detected in Tucson's water supply during UCMR 5 testing. PFAS contamination often originates from proximity to military installations (AFFF firefighting foam), airports, industrial manufacturing sites, or wastewater treatment facilities. Some levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels — a reverse osmosis or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is strongly recommended.
How does Tucson's water compare to other cities?
Tucson ranks #284 out of 292 cities in Arizona (better than 3% of state cities) and #15360 out of 15744 cities nationally (2th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.