D29/100
Phoenix Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 2,282,902 residents · Arizona
What's In Phoenix's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 440.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
2
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: May 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: May 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
ARIZONA WATER CO - BISBEE
Population Served
8,707
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0402001
ARIZONA WATER CO - SIERRA VISTA
Population Served
9,175
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0402004
ARIZONA WATER CO - PINEWOOD
Population Served
8,089
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0403002
ARIZONA WATER CO - SEDONA
Population Served
12,104
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0403003
ADOT AIRPORT GRAND CANYON
Population Served
1,140
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
AZ0403010
ARIZONA WATER CO - MIAMI CLAYPOOL
Population Served
8,656
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0404002
MORENCI WATER ELEC CO MAIN
Population Served
4,108
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
AZ0406003
PIMA UTILITIES
Population Served
20,000
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0407120
ARIZONA WATER CO - WHITE TANKS
Population Served
18,858
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
AZ0407128
FEDERAL CORRECTION INSTITUTION
Population Served
1,500
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0407700
PHOENIX CITY OF
Population Served
1,695,000
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
AZ0407025
GLENDALE CITY OF
Population Served
234,766
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
AZ0407093
ARIZONA WATER CO - LAKESIDE
Population Served
12,191
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0409003
ARIZONA WATER CO - OVERGAARD
Population Served
13,797
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0409004
ARIZONA WATER CO - PINETOP LAKES
Population Served
3,513
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0409018
ARIZONA WATER CO - AJO
Population Served
2,100
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
AZ0410003
ARIZONA WATER CO - APACHE JUNCTION
Population Served
62,055
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0411004
ARIZONA WATER CO - PINAL VALLEY
Population Served
134,432
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0411009
ARIZONA WATER CO - ORACLE
Population Served
10,585
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0411019
ARIZONA WATER CO - SAN MANUEL
Population Served
4,748
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
AZ0411020
ARIZONA WATER CO - SUPERIOR
Population Served
4,393
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0411021
ADOC FLORENCE ASP
Population Served
1,001
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0411066
ARIZONA WATER CO - TIERRA GRANDE
Population Served
1,796
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0411076
ADOC EYMAN UNIT
Population Served
3,969
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0411705
ARIZONA WATER CO - RIMROCK
Population Served
3,423
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0413046
AWC - VALLEY VISTA
Population Served
1,776
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0413114
OAK CREST OF MANVEL
Population Served
1,020
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TX0200586
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Water
Is Phoenix tap water safe to drink?
Phoenix, Arizona tap water receives a grade of D (29/100), which is considered poor. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 4153 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Phoenix's water?
Of the 77 contaminants tested in Phoenix's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), PFOA, PFOS, Lead (90th percentile), strontium. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 6 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Phoenix have any water quality violations?
Yes, Phoenix has 4153 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MON, RPT. 90 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Phoenix?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Phoenix is recommended. 3 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Phoenix's tap water come from?
Phoenix's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by ARIZONA WATER CO - BISBEE and 26 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 2,282,902 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Phoenix's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Phoenix's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Phoenix's water compare to other cities in Arizona?
Phoenix's water quality score of 29/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Arizona state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Phoenix's water quality?
If you have concerns about Phoenix's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (ARIZONA WATER CO - BISBEE) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.