C45/100
Scottsdale Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 264,746 residents · Arizona
What's In Scottsdale'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 | 250.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
4
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
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, 2021 – May 31, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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
Salt River Public Works
Population Served
20,951
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
090400109
SCOTTSDALE CITY OF
Population Served
241,361
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
AZ0407098
LAKE GRIFFIN ISLES MHP (2 WTPS)
Population Served
1,212
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
FL3354054
BAY BRIDGE ESTATES LLC
Population Served
1,222
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
ME0002175
Frequently Asked Questions About Scottsdale Water
Is Scottsdale tap water safe to drink?
Scottsdale, Arizona tap water receives a grade of C (45/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 1062 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Scottsdale's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Scottsdale's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate, vanadium. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Scottsdale have any water quality violations?
Yes, Scottsdale has 1062 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MON, MCL. 29 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 3 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Scottsdale's tap water come from?
Scottsdale's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by Salt River Public Works and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 264,746 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Scottsdale'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. Scottsdale'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 Scottsdale's water compare to other cities in Arizona?
Scottsdale's water quality score of 45/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Arizona state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Scottsdale's water quality?
If you have concerns about Scottsdale'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 (Salt River Public Works) 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.