ZIP Code 85749 Water Quality & Testing Report
Tucson, AZ · Pima County County · Updated for 2026
Compiled & verified by Sahajul Haque from official EPA SDWIS recordsIs Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 85749 (Tucson, AZ)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 85749 (Tucson, AZ) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of D (48/100) due to 29 health violation(s) and 0.6 ppb lead. While treated by City of Tucson, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
Water Safety Grade
Poor — Multiple violations recorded
Health Violations
29
Total Violations
218
Lead Risk
Moderate
Contaminants
8
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 85749
Tap water in ZIP code 85749 (Tucson, AZ) is distributed by City of Tucson (EPA ID: AZ0410112), serving approximately 732,906 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of D with a composite quality score of 48/100.
Water System
City of Tucson
EPA ID: AZ0410112
Water Source
Ground Water
Population Served
732,906 residents
County
Pima County County, Arizona
Lead Levels in ZIP 85749
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 0.6 ppb — Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 85749 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 27% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
From annual CCR filing
From annual CCR filing
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 85749 is Very Hard (242 mg/L / 14.2 GPG). High concentrations of dissolved limestone minerals cause severe mineral buildup, stiff laundry, dry skin, and premature water heater wear.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: City of Tucson · PWSID: AZ0410112
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
City of Tucson has recorded 29 health-based violations out of 218 total violations over the past 5 years. 71 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
EPA records identify 8 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Fecal Coliform, Barium, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Stage 2 DBP Rule and 3 more.
From Consumer Confidence Report:
Lead (7.8 ppb)
⚖ Enforcement Actions
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Ground Water
This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.
Moderate potential
Estimated annual flood-related costs per property
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 85749
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 85749 served by City of Tucson can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 85749 Recommendations
Serious water quality concerns — action recommended
- 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
- 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
- 🚨 Contact City of Tucson to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
- 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
- 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab
Recommended Water Treatment Systems:
NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter
Certified to remove lead. Recommended for immediate protection.
NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System
Reverse Osmosis system certified to remove PFAS, heavy metals, and viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 85749 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 85749?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 85749 (Tucson, AZ)?+
How hard is the tap water in 85749?+
Should I test private well water in 85749?+
What is the lead level in 85749 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 85749?+
Who provides tap water to 85749?+
What water filter should I use in 85749?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 85749 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by City of Tucson. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →