Water Quality Alerts by City
See contamination risks and historical water quality issues for major US cities. Each city profile includes primary contaminants of concern, past crises, current water quality grades, and links to detailed reports.
Cities with Documented Water Quality Issues
These cities have experienced significant contamination events or have ongoing water quality concerns. Click any city for detailed water quality information.
Flint, MI
high RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Major lead crisis 2014-2019 affected thousands of residents, particularly children. Corrosive water leached lead from pipes.
Newark, NJ
moderate RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Lead contamination crisis 2018-2021. Over 23,000 lead service lines replaced.
Chicago, IL
high RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Estimated 400,000 lead service lines remain. Ongoing replacement program.
Detroit, MI
moderate RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Lead service lines common in older homes. Ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
Pittsburgh, PA
moderate RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Elevated lead levels found in schools and homes. Corrosion control improvements made.
Philadelphia, PA
moderate RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Lead service lines in many neighborhoods. Testing recommended for older homes.
Milwaukee, WI
moderate RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
1993 Cryptosporidium outbreak affected 400,000+ people. Water treatment significantly upgraded.
Phoenix, AZ
high RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Natural arsenic from desert geology. Chromium-6 detected at concerning levels.
Tucson, AZ
high RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
High natural arsenic levels. Multiple aquifer cleanups from industrial contamination.
Las Vegas, NV
moderate RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Relies on Colorado River and groundwater with naturally occurring contaminants.
Albuquerque, NM
moderate RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Natural arsenic in groundwater. Industrial contamination from military and tech facilities.
San Antonio, TX
moderate RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Arsenic from natural sources. Nitrate contamination from agricultural areas.
Hoosick Falls, NY
high RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Major PFAS contamination from plastics manufacturing. Filtration systems installed.
Newburgh, NY
high RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
PFAS from Stewart Air National Guard Base firefighting foam. Treatment systems added.
Parchment, MI
high RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Widespread PFAS contamination from paper mill. City connected to Kalamazoo water.
Wilmington, NC
high RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
GenX contamination from Chemours facility. Ongoing monitoring and filtration.
Colorado Springs, CO
high RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
PFAS from military bases and firefighting foam. Treatment systems installed.
Portsmouth, NH
high RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
PFAS from Pease Air Force Base. Contamination affected tens of thousands.
Des Moines, IA
moderate RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Agricultural runoff causes frequent nitrate spikes. Extensive treatment required.
Fresno, CA
high RiskPrimary Concerns:
Historical Issues:
Agricultural contamination widespread. Many small systems exceed EPA limits.
Don't See Your City?
We track water quality data for thousands of cities across the US. Search for your city to view its complete water quality report, contaminant levels, and historical data.
Understanding Contamination Risks
Lead Contamination
Brain damage in children, common in older cities
PFAS Forever Chemicals
Cancer risk, near military bases and industrial areas
Arsenic
Carcinogen, common in Southwest groundwater
Nitrates
Blue baby syndrome, agricultural regions
Bacteria (E. coli)
Immediate illness, aging infrastructure
Chromium-6
Erin Brockovich chemical, industrial areas
Protect Your Family from Water Contaminants
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