Mesa Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Mesa tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. At 252.5 ppm (14.8 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. There have been 92 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
14.8 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Very Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Mesa Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Mesa tap water meets EPA health standards, but the water utility has administrative compliance issues.
11 contaminants were tested in Mesa's water. 9 were detected — all within EPA limits.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFHxS (Perfluorohexane Sulfonate) is at 8.4 ppt — 84% of the EPA limit (10 ppt). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A "forever chemical" used as a replacement for PFOS in firefighting foams and industrial applications. May affect thyroid function, the immune system, and liver health.
→ A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter can reduce PFHxS levels.
Metals — Arsenic is at 8.37 ppb — 84% of the EPA limit (10 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A naturally occurring element found in rock and soil that can dissolve into groundwater. According to the EPA and WHO, long-term exposure is linked to skin, bladder, and lung cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease.
→ Reverse osmosis is the most effective home treatment for arsenic. Some activated alumina filters also work.
Disinfection Byproducts — Trihalomethanes (TTHM) is at 51 ppb — 64% of the EPA limit (80 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. According to the EPA, long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems.
→ An activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet-mount, or whole-house) effectively reduces trihalomethanes.
Inorganic Chemicals — Nitrate is at 7.88 ppm — 79% of the EPA limit (10 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A compound found naturally in soil and water, but elevated levels usually indicate contamination from fertilizers or sewage. Dangerous for infants — can cause "blue baby syndrome" (methemoglobinemia), which interferes with oxygen transport in the blood.
→ Reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or distillation can reduce nitrate levels. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 466K people in the Mesa area.
Based on publicly available data from City of Mesa 2024 Water Quality Report (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Mesa water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure. With very hard water (252.5 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Mesa Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
5.01 ppb
76% above average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
247 ppm
94% harder than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Detected
33% of cities have detectable PFAS
How Hard is Mesa Water?
252.5 ppm
14.8 grains per gallon
Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Dries out skin & hair
Kitchen
Heavy mineral deposits
Laundry
Stiff, dingy clothes
Appliances
Significant scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 252.5 ppm, Mesa has very hard water. A water softener can help prevent scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes. According to the Water Quality Research Foundation, hard water can reduce appliance efficiency and increase energy costs. A whole-house water softener or salt-free conditioner can help.
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 22–430 ppm
Based on 18 samples from City of Mesa 2024 Water Quality Report (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Mesa tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Mesa
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
5.01 ppb
Mesa lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2024-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Bromate
58% of EPA limit
Range: 1.8–9.9 ppb
Other Detected Contaminants
11 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
51 ppb Range: 3.22-68.01 Highest LRAA 51 ppb; range 3.22-68.01 ppb. Multiple treatment plants (chlorine + chlorine dioxide + ozone at Signal Butte). | 80 ppb | Caution 64% of limit | |
18 ppb Range: 0-21 Highest LRAA 18 ppb; range ND-21 ppb. | 60 ppb | Safe 30% of limit | |
Chlorine (Disinfectant) | 0.71 ppm Range: 0.01-1.82 RAA 0.71 ppm; range 0.01-1.82 ppm. Free chlorine primary disinfectant. MRDL 4.0 ppm. | 4 ppm | Safe 18% of limit |
Bromate | 5.8 ppb Range: 1.8-9.9 RAA 5.8 ppb; range 1.8-9.9 ppb. Ozone byproduct at Signal Butte WTP. Near MCL 10 ppb at maximum. | 10 ppb 0 | Caution 58% of limit |
8.37 ppb Range: 0.9-8.37 Max 8.37 ppb (84% of MCL 10 ppb); range 0.9-8.37 ppb. Naturally occurring in Arizona geology. Well below MCL but elevated. | 10 ppb 0 | Caution 84% of limit | |
7.88 ppm Range: 0.22-7.88 Max 7.88 ppm (79% of MCL); range 0.22-7.88 ppm. Agricultural runoff and natural deposits. | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Caution 79% of limit | |
1.11 ppm Range: 0-1.11 Max 1.11 ppm; range ND-1.11 ppm. Fluoride added since 1999 (voter approved). MCL 4 ppm. | 4 ppm | Safe 28% of limit | |
PFBS | 7.68 ppt Range: 0-13.6 UCMR5 - 6/64 samples detected. No EPA MCL (part of Hazard Index mixture rule). | N/A | Safe |
8.4 ppt Range: 0-9.3 UCMR5 - 4/64 samples detected. Avg 8.4 ppt close to EPA MCL 10 ppt. Max 9.3 ppt. From CAP Colorado River water. | 10 ppt Goal: 10 ppt | Caution 84% of limit | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/64 samples detected. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/64 samples detected. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
92
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
92
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Mesa's Water?
Utility Name
MESA CITY OF
EPA System ID (PWSID)
AZ0407095
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
466K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mesa tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Arizona
Phoenix
Very Hard water
Tucson
Moderate water
Chandler
Very Hard water
Gilbert
Very Hard water
Scottsdale
Very Hard water
Glendale
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: City of Mesa 2024 Water Quality Report (2024) • View report