PFAS in Drinking Water in Arizona
What residents of Arizona need to know about PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water — including contamination sources, which utilities have documented violations, and how to filter PFAS from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, CDC · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is PFAS in drinking water a real concern in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona has multiple PFAS contamination sites tied to former and active military bases. Luke Air Force Base west of Phoenix, Davis-Monthan AFB near Tucson, and the former Williams AFB (now Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport) have all documented PFAS contamination in groundwater from historical AFFF use.
Where does PFAS come from in Arizona?
Military aviation facilities are the primary PFAS source in Arizona. AFFF foam used for decades at flight line operations and fire training areas at Luke AFB, Davis-Monthan, and Williams AFB has migrated into shallow aquifers. Communities in the West Valley (near Luke) and the Tucson Basin (near Davis-Monthan) have the highest documented exposure.
What should Arizona residents know?
Arizona's arid climate means groundwater is a critical and limited resource — contamination affects a water supply with few alternatives. Private well owners in communities west of Phoenix near Luke AFB and in the Tucson metro near Davis-Monthan should test their water. ADEQ's PFAS program has expanded testing and remediation requirements.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL (PFOA/PFOS) | 4 ppt — effective April 2024 |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary contamination sources | Luke AFB (West Valley), Davis-Monthan AFB (Tucson), former Williams AFB (Mesa area) |
| State regulator | Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) |
| Geology concern | Arid aquifers offer little natural dilution — PFAS persists at elevated concentrations |
| Health effects | Kidney/testicular cancer, thyroid disruption, immune suppression, developmental effects |
| Effective treatment | Reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58) — especially important given lack of alternative water sources |
Why PFAS Matters in Arizona
Arizona's PFAS contamination is concentrated in metro Phoenix's West Valley and the Tucson basin. Luke AFB's AFFF use over decades has contaminated groundwater in Goodyear, Litchfield Park, and Avondale — communities that rely partly on groundwater wells. Davis-Monthan AFB near Tucson has documented PFAS plumes affecting surrounding residential areas. The former Williams AFB site has had documented PFAS issues as well. With no natural dilution from heavy rainfall, PFAS concentrations in Arizona's arid aquifers can persist at elevated levels.
Arizona PFAS Regulation
Arizona ADEQ has conducted PFAS investigations at Luke AFB, Davis-Monthan AFB, and the former Williams AFB site (now Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport), coordinating with the Air Force on groundwater assessment. The Goodyear and Buckeye communities west of Phoenix have had wells affected by Luke AFB contamination. Arizona follows the federal EPA MCL with no additional state standard.
Largest Arizona Water Utilities
No PFAS violations on record in EPA SDWIS for Arizona utilities in our database. Browse the largest utilities to review their full water quality record.
What Are PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and AFFF firefighting foam. Their carbon-fluorine bonds do not break down in the environment or the body — hence the name “forever chemicals.” AFFF used at military bases is the single largest source of PFAS in U.S. drinking water.
Full PFAS overview — national data, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Residents in Goodyear, Litchfield Park, and Avondale (near Luke AFB) and in southeast Tucson (near Davis-Monthan AFB) face the highest risk. Private well owners in these areas have the greatest concern as their supplies are unregulated.
Residents near military bases with AFFF use history
Private well owners near military or industrial sites
Pregnant residents and families with young children
Residents in communities with documented PFAS detections
Anyone who has consumed water above 4 ppt for an extended period
Residents near airports, fire training areas, or industrial manufacturers
How to Check Your Situation in Arizona
- 1
Identify your water utility using the ZIP lookup below or by browsing the Arizona utility directory on this site.
- 2
Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — it must report PFAS monitoring results under UCMR5 and the new MCL.
- 3
Check the EPA's ECHO database for your utility's monitoring history. Look for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and related compound results.
- 4
Contact your utility directly and ask for their most recent PFAS test results and whether they are implementing treatment under the 2024 MCL.
- 5
If you use a private well near a military base, airport, or industrial facility, order a PFAS panel test from a state-certified laboratory. Tests typically cost $150–$400.
- 6
If PFAS is detected above 4 ppt in your source water, install a certified NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis system or an NSF/ANSI 53-certified activated carbon filter rated for PFAS removal.
How to Remove PFAS from Tap Water
Reverse Osmosis (Best)
90–99% removal — NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems only
Certified Activated Carbon
Effective with NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification — verify before buying
Boiling concentrates PFAS. Standard pitcher filters and water softeners do not remove PFAS. Always verify NSF certification before purchasing.
Take Action Now
Look up your Arizona utility's PFAS monitoring history on the PFAS Watchlist below.
If your utility has detected PFAS above 4 ppt, install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at your drinking tap.
Private well owners near military or industrial sites should order a PFAS panel test ($150–$400 at a state-certified lab).
Request your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report — PFAS results must be disclosed under the new 2024 MCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
PFAS — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with PFAS records
Arizona PFAS Watchlist
Live utility PFAS monitoring data
Arizona State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 90–99% of PFAS
Activated Carbon Filter Guide
NSF/ANSI 53/58 certified options for PFAS
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Another priority contaminant
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
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State Regulator
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality ↗