D30/100
Surprise Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 63,970 residents · Arizona
What's In Surprise's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
vanadium | 25.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2019.
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
SURPRISE CITY OF - MOUNTAIN VISTA
Population Served
40,007
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0407500
DESERT OASIS
Population Served
23,963
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AZ0407523
Frequently Asked Questions About Surprise Water
Is Surprise tap water safe to drink?
Surprise, Arizona tap water receives a grade of D (30/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 450 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Surprise's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Surprise's water supply, the most notable include vanadium. 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 Surprise have any water quality violations?
Yes, Surprise has 450 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MR, Other. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Surprise?
Surprise 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 Surprise's tap water come from?
Surprise's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by SURPRISE CITY OF - MOUNTAIN VISTA and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 63,970 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Surprise'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. Surprise'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 Surprise's water compare to other cities in Arizona?
Surprise's water quality score of 30/100 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 Surprise's water quality?
If you have concerns about Surprise'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 (SURPRISE CITY OF - MOUNTAIN VISTA) 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.