TapSafetyReport
D31/100

Sun Lakes Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 20,572 residents · Arizona

What's In Sun Lakes's Tap Water?

66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
chlorate
460.00 µg/L—Above Goal

EPA Violation History

7

Violations (last 5yr)

5

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Verify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Verify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Verify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Verify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Verify on EPA.gov
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: January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: May 1, 2021 – June 29, 2021Rule: Total Coliform 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

PICACHO WATER COMPANY
Population Served

2,440

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

AZ0411135

LAGO DEL ORO WATER COMPANY
Population Served

18,132

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

AZ0411117

Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Lakes Water

Is Sun Lakes tap water safe to drink?

Sun Lakes, Arizona tap water receives a grade of D (31/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 638 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Sun Lakes's water?

Of the 66 contaminants tested in Sun Lakes's water supply, the most notable include chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Sun Lakes have any water quality violations?

Yes, Sun Lakes has 638 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, RPT, MON. None of these are classified as health-based violations.

Do I need a water filter in Sun Lakes?

Sun Lakes 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. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Sun Lakes's tap water come from?

Sun Lakes's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by PICACHO WATER COMPANY and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 20,572 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Sun Lakes'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. Sun Lakes'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 Sun Lakes's water compare to other cities in Arizona?

Sun Lakes's water quality score of 31/100 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 Sun Lakes's water quality?

If you have concerns about Sun Lakes'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 (PICACHO WATER COMPANY) 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.

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