Is Phoenix tap water safe to drink?
In the latest results, every contaminant we list with a single federal limit was below that limit or action level. Lead was 2.7 ppb at the 90th percentile, below the 15 ppb action level. EPA’s goal for lead is zero. Lithium was found above EPA’s health reference level (10 ppb), a screening value that is not an enforceable limit. EPA lists 1 health-based violation in the last 10 years, the latest in Jan 2021. See how US tap water compares nationally.
What’s in Phoenix tap water
This page uses EPA records only: lead from SDWIS, PFAS and lithium from UCMR 5. Phoenix Water Services’ yearly water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report) lists more, and EPA explains how to find it.
| Contaminant | Result | Limit | Sampled | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeadComes mostly from home plumbing, not from the source water. | 2.7 ppb 90th percentile reported to EPA; previous round (2019–2021): 3.6 ppb | 15 ppbAction level · goal 0Drops to 10 ppb on Nov 1, 2027 (Lead and Copper Rule Improvements). | 2022–2024 | EPA SDWIS record, AZ0407025 |
| PFOA and PFOS (PFAS)Two “forever chemicals” with a federal limit. | Not detected 52 samples at 21 entry points; none at or above the reporting level (4 ppt) | 4.0 ppt eachLegal limit (MCL) · goal 0Utilities must comply from 2029; EPA proposed 2031 in May 2026. | Jan 2023 – Dec 2023 | EPA UCMR 5 final occurrence data (Aug 2026 release) |
| Other PFASFound among the 27 other PFAS EPA had utilities test. | 2 found PFBS up to 16 ppt; PFBA up to 6 ppt | VariesSet per compound in EPA’s PFAS rule | Jan 2023 – Dec 2023 | EPA UCMR 5 final occurrence data (Aug 2026 release) |
| LithiumUnregulated; EPA is collecting national data. | Up to 160 ppb Found in 53 of 53 samples at 21 entry points; range 22.2–160 | 10 ppbEPA health reference levelA health reference level is a screening value, not an enforceable limit. | Jan 2023 – Dec 2023 | EPA UCMR 5 final occurrence data (Aug 2026 release) |
ppb = parts per billion (µg/L), ppt = parts per trillion (ng/L). The bar shows the result against the limit (black line). Limits: EPA drinking water regulations, PFAS rule, Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. “Not detected” means below the lab’s reporting level, not zero.
EPA violations
EPA’s SDWIS database lists 5 violation records for Phoenix Water Services since 2014, 1 of them health-based. All have a return-to-compliance date.
Not listed: 1 older monitoring, reporting or notice record (2014), none health-based.
Shown: health-based violations and everything from the last 10 years. Source: EPA SDWIS record, AZ0407025, retrieved Oct 13, 2026.
How hard is Phoenix water?
Hardness is not in EPA’s records. Phoenix Water Services’ yearly water quality report is the place to look. Hardness has no federal health limit. A test kit or a lab test measures it at your tap (see how to test water hardness).
What to do with these numbers
Only what the data above points to.
Lead comes from home plumbing
EPA’s goal for lead is zero. Older faucets, lead solder and lead service lines can add lead at your tap. A filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead reduces it.
Certified to reduce lead. Lead is not necessarily in your water.
All filters compared →Test your own water
Phoenix Water Services’ numbers come from its own sampling sites. A certified lab test of your faucet shows lead and copper from your plumbing. How to test your own tap for lead, starting with your water utility.
All water tests compared →