June 14, 2026
Tucson, AZ Water Quality Report 2026
Unlock the full breakdown — detected levels vs. legal limits, plus what removes each one.
Full contaminant breakdown
EPA Six-Year Review compliance monitoring, 2012–2019 — the most recent national compliance dataset EPA has published. See the sections above for more recent violation and PFAS records.
| Contaminant | Avg. detected | Highest sample | Federal limit | Avg. vs. limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antimony | 1.8 ppb | 1.8 ppb | 6 ppb | 30% |
| ArsenicEPA health goal: zero | 2.86 ppb | 8 ppb | 10 ppb | 29% |
| 1,1-Dichloroethylene | 1.8 ppb | 1.8 ppb | 7 ppb | 26% |
| DEHP (phthalate)EPA health goal: zero | 1.57 ppb | 4.4 ppb | 6 ppb | 26% |
| LeadEPA health goal: zero | 3.38 ppb | 223 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | 23% |
| Trichloroethylene (TCE)EPA health goal: zero | 1.01 ppb | 2.5 ppb | 5 ppb | 20% |
| Nitrate | 1890 ppb | 7890 ppb | 10000 ppb | 19% |
| Nitrate + nitrite | 1820 ppb | 6400 ppb | 10000 ppb | 18% |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 11.5 ppb | 48 ppb | 80 ppb | 14% |
| Radium (combined)EPA health goal: zero | 0.631 pCi/L | 1.3 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | 13% |
| PentachlorophenolEPA health goal: zero | 0.12 ppb | 0.12 ppb | 1 ppb | 12% |
| UraniumEPA health goal: zero | 3.29 ppb | 22.6 ppb | 30 ppb | 11% |
| Fluoride | 271 ppb | 1170 ppb | 4000 ppb | 7% |
| Gross alpha radioactivityEPA health goal: zero | 1.03 pCi/L | 3.9 pCi/L | 15 pCi/L | 7% |
| Copper | 77.1 ppb | 584 ppb | 1300 ppb (action level) | 6% |
| Cyanide | 7.9 ppb | 9.1 ppb | 200 ppb | 4% |
| Barium | 62.7 ppb | 157 ppb | 2000 ppb | 3% |
| Selenium | 1.54 ppb | 6.18 ppb | 50 ppb | 3% |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 1.64 ppb | 11 ppb | 60 ppb | 3% |
| Atrazine | 0.0703 ppb | 0.11 ppb | 3 ppb | 2% |
| Simazine | 0.0917 ppb | 0.11 ppb | 4 ppb | 2% |
| Ethylbenzene | 1.1 ppb | 1.1 ppb | 700 ppb | <1% |
| Xylenes (total) | 2.83 ppb | 8 ppb | 10000 ppb | <1% |
Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4-D, Alachlor, Asbestos, Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Beryllium, Cadmium, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlordane, Chlorobenzene, Chromium (total), DBCP, DEHA (adipate), Dalapon, Dichloromethane, Dinoseb, Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD), Diquat, Endothall, Endrin, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Glyphosate, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Lindane, Mercury (inorganic), Methoxychlor, Nitrite, Oxamyl, PCBs, Picloram, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Thallium, Toluene, Toxaphene, Vinyl chloride, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
Reverse osmosis (drinking water)
The treatment category most often matched to dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, and radiological contaminants detected in this system.
Shop reverse osmosis →Whole-house carbon filtration
The treatment category most often matched to disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, haloacetic acids), chlorine taste and odor, and organic compounds detected in this system.
Shop whole-house systems →Source: U.S. EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data (2012–2019), the most recent nationwide compliance dataset EPA has released, reported at the water-system level. A detection is not a violation. “Avg. vs. limit” compares the average of laboratory detections to the federal MCL or action level; individual faucets can differ — household plumbing affects lead and copper, and a state-certified laboratory test of your own tap is the only way to confirm levels in your home. Treatment categories are general matches, not a certification claim for a specific product and contaminant.
Water Utility: City of Tucson
Population Served: 732,906 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026
Tucson, Arizona drinking water is supplied by City of Tucson. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections from federal EPA databases.
EPA Violation History
No health-based EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) violations on record since 2010 for this utility.
PFAS "Forever Chemical" Detections
PFAS compounds were detected during EPA UCMR5 testing (2023-2025).
| PFAS Compound | Level Detected | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| PFBA | 0.0081 ug/L | PFAS Filters |
Source: EPA UCMR5. Levels in ug/L. 1 ug/L = 1,000 ppt.
Should You Filter Your Tucson Water?
Even compliant utilities may have contaminants below legal limits but above health guidelines. Filtration is recommended for households with children or pregnant women.
Protect Your Tucson Home Water
PureWaterGuys.com carries PFAS-certified filtration systems shipped to all Arizona addresses.
Shop PFAS Filters →Take the Water QuizFAQ
Is Tucson tap water safe to drink?
City of Tucson meets EPA federal standards with no recent health-based violations. PFBA was detected in UCMR5 testing.
Does Tucson water have PFAS?
Yes -- PFBA was detected during EPA UCMR5 monitoring. A certified reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS at your tap.
What filter works best for Tucson?
A reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest contaminant reduction. Take our quiz for a personalized pick.
Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility.
Filters for Tucson, AZ Water Issues
Based on contaminants detected in this report, these systems are worth considering:
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