June 14, 2026

Oro Valley, AZ Water Quality Report 2026

By PureWaterGuys

EPA compliance testing (2012–2019) detected 14 regulated contaminants in this water system, including 1 that averaged above a federal limit: Mercury (inorganic), Cyanide, Radium (combined) + 11 more.

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.

ContaminantAvg. detectedHighest sampleFederal limitAvg. vs. limit
Mercury (inorganic) 6.7 ppb 6.7 ppb 2 ppb 335% — above
Cyanide 160 ppb 160 ppb 200 ppb 80%
Radium (combined)EPA health goal: zero 1 pCi/L 1.9 pCi/L 5 pCi/L 20%
Benzo(a)pyreneEPA health goal: zero 0.03 ppb 0.03 ppb 0.2 ppb 15%
Nitrate 1450 ppb 3800 ppb 10000 ppb 15%
Fluoride 542 ppb 580 ppb 4000 ppb 14%
Nitrate + nitrite 1440 ppb 2400 ppb 10000 ppb 14%
LeadEPA health goal: zero 1.97 ppb 16 ppb 15 ppb (action level) 13%
ArsenicEPA health goal: zero 1.21 ppb 4.4 ppb 10 ppb 12%
UraniumEPA health goal: zero 2.28 ppb 8.6 ppb 30 ppb 8%
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 5.85 ppb 26 ppb 80 ppb 7%
Copper 75.1 ppb 430 ppb 1300 ppb (action level) 6%
Gross alpha radioactivityEPA health goal: zero 0.935 pCi/L 2.4 pCi/L 15 pCi/L 6%
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) 2.24 ppb 2.9 ppb 60 ppb 4%

Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4-D, Alachlor, Antimony, Asbestos, Atrazine, Barium, Benzene, Beryllium, Cadmium, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlordane, Chlorobenzene, Chromium (total), DBCP, DEHA (adipate), DEHP (phthalate), Dalapon, Dichloromethane, Dinoseb, Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD), Diquat, Endothall, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Glyphosate, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Lindane, Methoxychlor, Nitrite, Oxamyl, Pentachlorophenol, Picloram, Selenium, Simazine, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Thallium, Toluene, Toxaphene, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total), 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: Oro Valley Water Utility
Population Served: 42,316 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026

Oro Valley, Arizona drinking water is supplied by Oro Valley Water Utility. All US public water systems must test drinking water and report results to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections recorded in federal databases to help you make informed decisions about home water filtration.

EPA Health-Based Violation History

The following contaminants exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) at this utility since 2010:

Contaminant Violation Years Filter Solution
Mercury 2014 Water Filters

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), updated quarterly. Health-based violations only.

Should You Filter Your Oro Valley Water?

Even utilities with no EPA violations may have contaminants present below legal limits but above health guidelines. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels based on what is feasible and affordable to treat at scale -- not necessarily what carries zero health risk. Many independent health organizations recommend filtration for households with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals regardless of utility compliance status.

Protect Your Oro Valley Home Water

PureWaterGuys.com carries filtration systems engineered to address the most common contaminants in US tap water. We ship to all Arizona addresses with free expert guidance on the right system.

Shop Water Filtration Systems →Take the Water Quiz

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oro Valley tap water safe to drink?

Oro Valley Water Utility is required to meet EPA federal drinking water standards. However, meeting legal standards is not the same as being contaminant-free. Trace levels of disinfection byproducts, PFAS compounds, and other regulated contaminants are common in US municipal water systems.

Does Oro Valley water have PFAS?

PFAS monitoring data for this utility may not yet be published in EPA databases. We recommend a reverse osmosis system for maximum protection regardless of local results.

What water filter works best for Oro Valley?

A whole-house carbon block filter removes chlorine, chloramines, and many VOCs. For PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest reduction rates. Take our free 2-minute quiz to find the right system for your home and budget.

Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 federal databases. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility. Contact your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for complete local data.

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