Tucson
AZ

Is Tucson, AZ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Tucson tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 16 of 17 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for lithium. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.

8Water systems
17ZIP codes
94.1%ZIPs above EPA guideline
Metro areaTucson, AZ
Latest data2025-11-04

Where Does Tucson Get Its Water?

Water in Tucson, AZ is provided by 8 public water systems: TUCSON CITY OF, ARIZONA WATER CO - SUPERIOR, RAY WATER COMPANY INC, VOYAGER WATER COMPANY, FLOWING WELLS IRRIGATION DISTRICT, U OF A SCIENCE TECH PARK, UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA and USAF DAVIS MONTHAN AFB.

How Is Tucson Tap Water Treated?

Treated water is disinfected using free chlorine. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), granular activated carbon filtration and groundwater disinfection.

What's in Tucson Tap Water?

The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Tucson public water systems. 16 of 17 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.

ContaminantPeak detectedEPA guidelineZIPs detectedStatus
lithium 228 µg/L 10 µg/L 16 ZIPs Above guideline
PFTrDA 0.007 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
11Cl-PF3OUdS 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
8:2 FTS 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
6:2 FTS 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline

Health Risk Profile for Tucson

Based on EPA monitoring data, 16 of 17 ZIP codes in Tucson have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.

Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile

This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.

Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
Under-sink RO system

8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.

See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tucson Tap Water

Is Tucson tap water safe to drink?

Tucson tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 16 of 17 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

What contaminants are in Tucson tap water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Tucson water systems include: lithium, PFTrDA, 11Cl-PF3OUdS. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.

Where does Tucson get its drinking water?

Tucson receives water from 8 public water systems, including TUCSON CITY OF.

Do I need a water filter in Tucson?

If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.

How often is Tucson tap water tested?

Public water systems in Tucson are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-11-04.

Tap water reports by ZIP in Tucson

Water utilities serving Tucson, AZ

Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.

Modeled boundaries are shown with a dashed outline.

Also covers / overlaps with