Strontium in Arizona Drinking Water
Ranked by max strontium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR
Strontium in Arizona: what the data shows
Arizona has 67 cities with strontium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Strontium was detected above the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level in 16 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 1317.0 µg/L. Strontium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in areas with limestone and dolomite geology. It can also enter water from industrial waste and mining operations. There is no federal MCL for strontium, but the EPA established a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L. Long-term exposure to strontium above the HRL may affect bone health, particularly in children, by substituting for calcium in developing bones. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water.
Cities exceeding 1,500 µg/L EPA HRL (no MCL)
Strontium data across Arizona
Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 strontium testing data. Cities where strontium exceeds the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.
Top 10 cities by strontium level in Arizona
Highest Strontium levels (µg/L)
All Arizona cities ranked by strontium level
| # | City | Level | Level | Over HRL? | Violations | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuma | 5600.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 318 | F | |
| 2 | Bullhead City | 5400.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 57 | F | |
| 3 | Sacaton, Sacaton Flats,Upper San Tan, Bl | 5130.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 11 | B | |
| 4 | Buckeye | 5100.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 103 | F | |
| 5 | Casa Grande | 3600.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 44 | F | |
| 6 | Goodyear | 3000.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 3 | F | |
| 7 | San Luis | 2700.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 8 | D | |
| 8 | Avondale | 2600.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 13 | C+ | |
| 9 | Mohave Valley | 2600.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 14 | F | |
| 10 | Maricopa | 2500.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 228 | D | |
| 11 | Somerton | 2200.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 17 | D | |
| 12 | Douglas | 2100.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 55 | D | |
| 13 | Buckeye-Sono | 2100.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 2 | B- | |
| 14 | Chandler | 2000.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 32 | F | |
| 15 | Apache Junction | 2000.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 18 | F | |
| 16 | Tucson | 1700.0 µg/L | Over HRL | 150 | F | |
| 17 | Surprise | 1500.0 µg/L | No | 18 | F | |
| 18 | Johnson Ranch | 1500.0 µg/L | No | 7 | D | |
| 19 | Fort Defiance, Window Rock, St. Michaels | 1500.0 µg/L | No | 22 | B- | |
| 20 | Lake Havasu City | 1400.0 µg/L | No | 5 | D | |
| 21 | Florence | 1400.0 µg/L | No | 60 | F | |
| 22 | Fountain Hills | 1339.6 µg/L | No | 21 | F | |
| 23 | Gilbert | 1300.0 µg/L | No | 11 | F | |
| 24 | Scottsdale | 1300.0 µg/L | No | 22 | F | |
| 25 | Tempe | 1300.0 µg/L | No | 3 | D+ | |
| 26 | Peoria | 1200.0 µg/L | No | 13 | F | |
| 27 | Litchfield Park | 1200.0 µg/L | No | 21 | F | |
| 28 | Phoenix | 1140.0 µg/L | No | 59 | F | |
| 29 | Mesa | 1100.0 µg/L | No | 3 | F | |
| 30 | Glendale | 1100.0 µg/L | No | 5 | F | |
| 31 | Queen Creek | 1100.0 µg/L | No | 14 | D | |
| 32 | Salt River Indian Community | 1100.0 µg/L | No | 22 | B | |
| 33 | Anthem | 1050.5 µg/L | No | 1 | B | |
| 34 | Cave Creek | 900.0 µg/L | No | 25 | C- | |
| 35 | Sun City West | 827.4 µg/L | No | 3 | B+ | |
| 36 | Upper Fruitland, Nenahnezad, San Juan, N | 800.0 µg/L | No | 9 | B+ | |
| 37 | Upper Fruitland, Nenahnezad, San Juan, N | 800.0 µg/L | No | 9 | B+ | |
| 38 | Paradise Valley | 776.0 µg/L | No | 3 | C | |
| 39 | Benson | 742.0 µg/L | No | 29 | D | |
| 40 | Rio Rico | 720.0 µg/L | No | 4 | C | |
| 41 | Kingman | 710.0 µg/L | No | 110 | D | |
| 42 | Show Low | 680.0 µg/L | No | 60 | D | |
| 43 | Sun City | 640.0 µg/L | No | 1 | B | |
| 44 | Safford | 630.0 µg/L | No | 9 | D | |
| 45 | Holbrook | 612.0 µg/L | No | 6 | F | |
| 46 | Cottonwood | 590.0 µg/L | No | 184 | D | |
| 47 | Oro Valley | 560.0 µg/L | No | 11 | D | |
| 48 | El Mirage | 560.0 µg/L | No | 3 | D | |
| 49 | Payson | 530.0 µg/L | No | 60 | F | |
| 50 | Whiteriver | 440.0 µg/L | No | 7 | D | |
| 51 | Red Rock | 432.0 µg/L | No | 1 | D+ | |
| 52 | Sedona | 420.0 µg/L | No | 174 | F | |
| 53 | Ganado, Cornfield, Steamboat, Woodspring | 405.0 µg/L | No | 4 | B+ | |
| 54 | Green Valley | 390.0 µg/L | No | 9 | D | |
| 55 | Globe | 390.0 µg/L | No | 46 | F | |
| 56 | Prescott Valley | 380.0 µg/L | No | 6 | D | |
| 57 | Prescott | 370.0 µg/L | No | 33 | F | |
| 58 | Nogales | 340.0 µg/L | No | 39 | F | |
| 59 | Sierra Vista | 320.0 µg/L | No | 44 | D | |
| 60 | Sahuarita | 310.0 µg/L | No | 19 | F | |
| 61 | Fort Huachuca | 240.0 µg/L | No | 9 | F | |
| 62 | Catalina | 230.0 µg/L | No | 2 | D | |
| 63 | Kaibeto | 160.0 µg/L | No | 0 | B | |
| 64 | Vaya Chin, Hickiwan, San Simon Village/S | 148.0 µg/L | No | 1 | A- | |
| 65 | Flagstaff | 140.0 µg/L | No | 74 | D | |
| 66 | Heber | 140.0 µg/L | No | 11 | F | |
| 67 | Grand Canyon | 44.0 µg/L | No | 11 | D |
Frequently asked questions about strontium in Arizona
Is strontium in Arizona tap water harmful?
Strontium at low levels is not considered harmful, but the EPA set a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L based on potential bone effects. 16 cities in Arizona exceed this HRL. There is currently no federal MCL for strontium. Children may be more susceptible because strontium can substitute for calcium in developing bones.
How can I remove strontium from my drinking water?
Reverse osmosis and ion exchange (water softener) systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective. If your water comes from a well in an area with limestone or dolomite geology, consider testing for strontium.