Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Phoenix?
Yes, Phoenix's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Phoenix has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Phoenix's local Twitter account.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Phoenix's water utility, City of Phoenix, had 1 health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Phoenix was resolved on Jan. 31, 2021. This assessment is based on the City of Phoenix water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Phoenix Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Phoenix tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Phoenix's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Phoenix Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named City of Phoenix for Phoenix in Arizona. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
From Jan. 1, 2021 to Jan. 31, 2021, Phoenix had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From Oct. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2018, Phoenix had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Regular which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Inorganic Chemicals rule code family for the following contaminant code: Arsenic.
From Aug. 1, 2014 to Aug. 31, 2014, Phoenix had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Acute (TCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Coliform (TCR).
Is there Lead in Phoenix Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Phoenix water system, City of Phoenix, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.00355 mg/L of lead in Phoenix water. This is 23.7% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Phoenix contained more lead.
While Phoenix water testing may have found 0.00355 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Phoenix Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Sky Harbor International Airport - near Phoenix with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Phoenix has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
Phoenix SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
| Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2021 - 01/31/2021 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) (43) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 10/01/2018 - 12/31/2018 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Regular (03) | Arsenic (332) | Arsenic (1005) | Chemicals (300) | Inorganic Chemicals (330) |
| 08/01/2014 - 08/31/2014 | Resolved | Yes | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Acute (TCR) (21) | Total Coliform Rule (110) | Coliform (TCR) (3100) | Microbials (100) | Total Coliform Rules (110) |
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Phoenix Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Phone: | 602-256-5658 |
| By Email: | jennifer.calles@phoenix.gov |
| By Mail: | 2474 SOUTH 22ND AVE BUILDING 31 PHOENIX, AZ, 85009 |
Existing customers can login to their City of Phoenix account to pay their Phoenix water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your City of Phoenix bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Phoenix water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Phoenix water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Phoenix means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Phoenix. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Phoenix means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Phoenix. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$1.65 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Phoenix, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Phoenix Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Phoenix's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
2020
WATER QUALITY REPORT
e City of Phoenix is committed to providing the highest quality tap water and reliable services to our residents, with rates that are among the lowest in
the country. is Consumer Confidence Report, also known as a Water Quality Report, summarizes the results of millions of tests and measurements performed at Phoenix's water treatment plants and throughout the water distribution system. In 2020 tap water delivered to approximately 1.7 million residents served by the City of Phoenix Water Services Department met or surpassed all federal and state drinking water standards.
To acquire this publication in an alternate format, contact the City of Phoenix Water Services Department at
Este informe contiene información importante sobre su agua potable. Si desea esta publicación en español, o en un formato alterno contactan el Departamento Municipal de Phoenix del Servicio del Agua, al
How Does Phoenix Produce
Superior Drinking Water?
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Presented by
Quality. Reliability. Value
Where Does Our Water Come From?
e sources of Phoenix’s drinking water include rivers, lakes, streams, springs and wells. In 2020, about
- Screening and Presedimentation - Large particles such as plant matter debris, and other materials commonly found in river water are removed by screens or settle to the bottom of the presedimentation basin.
- Coagulation, Flocculation and Sedimentation - A chemical coagulant, such as ferric chloride, is added to the water. is causes the tiny particles to cling together and become heavy enough to settle to the bottom of the basin.
- Filtration - e cleaner water on the top then passes through filters to remove remaining particulate matter.
- Disinfection - A small quantity of chlorine, a disinfectant, is added to kill disease causing microorganisms and prevent microbial growth. Also a small quantity of fluoride is added to prevent tooth decay.
remaining two percent of drinking water was supplied by about 20 groundwater wells currently operated by the city.
Water Quality and Substances Contained in Source Water
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. e U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water.
It is reasonable to expect drinking water, including bottled water or water that passed through home treatment systems, to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. However, the presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. Contaminants that may be present in source water include the following:
- Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may be from wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, or wildlife;
- Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, that can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming;
- Pesticides and herbicides, that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff and residential uses;
- Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, that are byproducts of industrial processes, petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, septic systems; and
- Radioactive contaminants that can be naturally occurring or can be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline,
PHOENIX.GOV/WATER
/PHXWATER
Phoenix Monitors for Unregulated Contaminants
Unregulated substances are those for which EPA has not established drinking water standards. Phoenix monitors for these substances to
UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS
SUBSTANCE UNITS MCL |
LOWEST HIGHEST |
AVERAGE MAJOR SOURCE IN DRINKING WATER |
LEVEL LEVEL |
assist the EPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether future regulation is warranted. e EPA issues a new list of up to 30 unregulated substances for monitoring every five years.
EPA identified 30 substances for monitoring during this
- 9 cyanotoxins and 1 cyanotoxin group which are toxins produced by a bacteria called cyanobacteria
- 2 metals that occur naturally in our environment
- 8 pesticides and 1 pesticide manufacturing byproduct
- 3 disinfection byproduct groups that can be formed during water treatment and distribution
- 3 alcohols
- 3 semivolatile organic chemicals
From January of 2018 through January of 2020 the City has been monitoring for unregulated substances. Any unregulated contaminants detected in 2018 thru 2020 are reported in the following table. If the EPA determines that regulation is warranted for any of the monitored substances, Phoenix will take whatever steps
Manganese ppb None 0.4
Germanium ppb None 0.3
HAA6Br |
ppb |
None |
6 |
HAA9 |
ppb |
None |
11 |
Total |
ppm |
None |
2.7 |
Organic |
|
|
|
Carbon |
|
|
|
992
0.7
28
36
4.2
43
0.35
14
19
3.3
Naturally occurring element
Naturally occurring element; commercially available in combination with other elements and minerals; a byproduct of
zinc ore processing; used in infrared optics,
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Naturally present in the environment
that are necessary to comply with the new requirements.
Bromide |
ppb None ND |
90 |
70 |
Naturally occurring compound |
Controlling Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts
Phoenix’s entire water supply (well water and treated surface water) is safely disinfected with chlorine before being delivered to consumers. Federal law requires a minimum chlorine disinfectant level of 0.2 parts per million (ppm) in the water leaving a water treatment plant. ere also is a Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) allowed in the water in the distribution system as it travels to your tap.
While it is essential to disinfect the water to prevent widespread outbreaks of serious diseases and comply with EPA standards, the use of disinfectants can create disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which are formed when natural organic matter such as total organic carbon (TOC) in water reacts with chemicals used for disinfection.
To control those DBPs, TOC is measured in the surface water before and after treatment. TOC is reduced during the water treatment process at the plant, therefore, reducing formation of DBPs in the distribution system. Compliance for TOC is based on the removal ratio of TOC on a running annual average. A value of 1 or greater indicates the water treatment plant is in compliance with the TOC removal requirements. Again, Phoenix met the requirement, as shown in the corresponding chart.
Chlorine dioxide and ozone can be used in the treatment of drinking water as either disinfectants or oxidants. Some Phoenix surface water treatment plants use chlorine dioxide and/or ozone as oxidants for the removal of iron and manganese, destruction of taste and odor causing organic contaminants, and as part of an overall program for the control of Trihalomethanes (THMs) formation. Federal law allows a maximum chlorine dioxide level of 800 parts per billion (ppb) in the water leaving a water treatment plant. Chlorine dioxide is measured daily at the water treatment plants when chlorine dioxide is in use, and the levels are consistently below 800 ppb.
Using chlorine dioxide forms chlorite and using ozone forms bromate. Chlorite and bromate are regulated as DBPs. To determine formation of DBPs from oxidants, chlorite is sampled daily at the entry point of the distribution system, and quarterly throughout the distribution system. Bromate is sampled monthly at the entry point to the distribution system. e chlorite results were below the MCL and the bromate was not detected.
2020 DISINFECTANT AND DISINFECTION BYPRODUCT MONITORING
SUBSTANCE |
UNITS |
MCL |
MCLG |
SAMPLE |
HIGHEST RUNNING |
MAJOR SOURCE |
|
RESULTS |
ANNUAL AVERAGE |
IN DRINKING WATER |
|||||
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Chlorine |
ppm |
MRDL = 4 |
MRDLG |
<0.22 - 2.0 |
0.9 |
Water additive |
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|
Running |
= 4 |
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used to control |
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Annual |
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microbes |
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|
Average |
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Total Organic |
NA |
TT = 1 or |
NA |
1.2 - 3.2 |
1.4 |
Naturally present |
|
Carbon |
|
greater |
|
|
(lowest running |
in the environment |
|
Removal Ratio |
|
Running |
|
|
annual average) |
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Annual |
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Average |
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Chlorine |
ppb |
MRDL |
MRDLG |
ND - 320 |
NA |
Water additive |
|
Dioxide |
|
= 800 |
= 800 |
|
|
as an oxidant |
|
Chlorite |
ppm |
1 |
0.8 |
ND - 0.6 |
0.4 |
Byproduct of |
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|
(highest quarterly |
drinking water |
|
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|
average) |
disinfection |
|
Bromate |
ppb |
10 |
0 |
ND |
ND |
Byproduct |
|
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|
of drinking |
|
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water disinfection |
|
Total |
ppb |
80 |
NA |
18 - 75 |
60 (highest |
Byproduct |
|
Trihalomethanes |
|
Locational |
|
|
locational |
of drinking |
|
(TTHMs) |
|
Running |
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running |
water disinfection |
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Annual |
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|
annual average) |
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Average |
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Haloacetic |
ppb |
60 |
NA |
5 - 27 |
21 (highest |
Byproduct |
|
Acids (HAA) |
|
Locational |
|
|
locational |
of drinking |
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Running |
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running |
water disinfection |
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Annual |
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annual average) |
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Average |
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To determine formation of DBPs from chlorine in the distribution system, the city monitors for THMs and Haloacetic Acids (HAAs) which are DBPs that may cause
Taste, Odor and Hardness
Taste, odor and hardness are not |
linger. e result is similar to |
presence of minerals, such as calcium |
regulated under drinking water health |
removing a bouquet of fresh flowers |
and magnesium, which originate from |
standards. However, these are |
from a room. Even though the flowers |
the soils our source water contacts as |
harmless, aesthetic aspects that |
are gone, the aroma remains. |
it travels to Phoenix’s water |
some consumers may notice. |
e City of Phoenix is working to |
treatment plants. ese minerals are |
Algae that grow in the canals during |
eliminate the aesthetic effects of |
leached into the water. Hard water |
the late summer and fall are a major |
algae through various programs, |
can cause some types of scaling in |
source of a “musty” odor and taste |
including a cooperative effort to |
pipes and water heaters, and on |
detected by some consumers. When |
remove algae from the SRP canals |
plumbing fixtures such as faucets and |
the algae bloom, they produce a |
that feed the water treatment plants, |
showerheads. See the chart below for |
strong odor. Even though the algae |
and the use of activated carbon to |
data about hardness and other |
are removed from the water during |
absorb residual odors. |
aesthetic parameters. |
the treatment process, the odor may |
Water hardness indicates the |
|
2020 AESTHETIC WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS FROM DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & SECONDARY DRINKING WATER GUIDELINES
Where to Learn More About the Quality of Our Water
If you have questions about this report, concerns about water quality, or input about your water supply, treatment and delivery, email WSDCompliance@phoenix.gov or call Phoenix Water Services’ Customer Services Division at
SUBSTANCE |
UNITS |
SECONDARY GUIDELINE * |
Alkalinity |
ppm |
NA |
Iron |
ppb |
300 |
pH |
NA |
6.5 - 8.5 |
Sodium |
ppm |
NA |
Temperature |
ºF |
NA |
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) |
ppm |
500 |
Total Hardness |
ppm; grains/gallon |
NA |
*
SAMPLE RESULTS RANGE
126 - 178
ND - 22
7.5 - 8.4
43 - 180
54 - 94
306 - 678
171 - 277 / 9.9 - 16.1
Building 31, Phoenix AZ 85009.
Citizens who wish to address the Phoenix City Council about water issues or other non- agenda items may do so at the Citizen Request Sessions at City Council Formal meetings, which are held in the City Council Chambers, 200 W. Jefferson St. For information about specific meeting times and agenda items, please contact the City of Phoenix City Clerk Department at
If you choose to install home treatment systems to remove taste and odor or other substances, it is important to note that failure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions concerning operation and maintenance can result in potentially unsafe water. More information about home treatment systems is available from the Arizona Water Quality Association. ey can be reached at azwqa.org; or at
Understanding the Language of Water
For alternate formats, contact Customer Services Division at
You also can visit the city’s web site at phoenix.gov for more information. An online version of this report is available at phoenix.gov/waterservices/waterquality.
e following are definitions of terms used to describe types of limits for substances that may be found in drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) - e level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - e highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) - e level of drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - e highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. ere is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is required for control of microbial contaminants.
Treatment Technique (TT) - A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Action Level (AL) - e concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
One part per million - One part per million (1 ppm) or one milligram per liter (1 mg/L) is approximately equal to a single penny in $10,000 or one minute of time in two years.
One part per billion (1 ppb) or one microgram per liter (1 µg/L) is approximately equal to a single penny in $10,000,000 or one minute of time in 1,920 years.
Locational running annual average (LRAA) - e average of sample analytical results for samples taken at a particular monitoring location during the previous four calendar quarters.
You also may call the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline for information about the Safe Drinking Water Act or EPA’s other drinking water programs at
Important Information for Immuno- compromised Persons
Although the city treats our water to meet or surpass all drinking water standards, some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.
Water Treatment Process Designed to Remove Turbidity
e filters in the water treatment process produce water of superior clarity. Turbidity readings are a measure of that water clarity and a good indicator that the treatment process is removing tiny particles, including microorganisms. e standard for turbidity or clarity after treatment is 0.3 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU – a measure of clarity) in at least 95 percent of the measurements taken each month and the measurements must not exceed 1 NTU.
2020 TURBIDITY MONITORING AFTER TREATMENT AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS
SUBSTANCE |
|
TREATMENT TECHNIQUE |
|
MCLG |
|
HIGHEST |
|
LOWEST MONTHLY |
|
MAJOR SOURCE IN |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
APPLIES INSTEAD OF MCL |
|
|
|
MEASUREMENT |
|
PERCENTAGE |
|
DRINKING WATER |
Turbidity |
|
No value can exceed 1 NTU and |
|
NA |
|
0.4 NTU |
99% |
|
Soil runoff |
|
|
|
at least 95% of monthly measurements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
must be less than or equal to 0.3 NTU |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. ese people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. e U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
Meeting Lead and Copper Standards
Lead and copper usually enter our drinking water from corrosion of household plumbing, pipes and fixtures that contain these metals, such as copper piping, lead solder or brass fixtures. e EPA requires water suppliers to perform periodic tests for lead and copper in the tap water from inside consumers’ homes. Tests show levels in Phoenix household tap water met the Action Level required by federal drinking water standards for lead and copper.
While Phoenix meets the Action Level, lead and copper levels at some
2020* RESULTS OF LEAD AND COPPER SAMPLING
FROM RESIDENTIAL WATER TAPS
|
ACTION |
|
90% OF |
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TAPS WERE |
NUMBER |
MAJOR |
||
|
LEVEL |
|
||||
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|
LESS THAN |
OF SITES |
SOURCE IN |
||
SUBSTANCE |
(AL) APPLIES |
MCLG |
||||
OR EQUAL |
ABOVE |
DRINKING |
||||
|
INSTEAD |
|
TO THIS |
THE AL |
WATER |
|
|
OF MCL |
|
||||
|
|
VALUE |
|
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||
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consumer’s homes may be elevated due to leaching of the metals into the water from materials used in the household plumbing or fixtures. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. e city of Phoenix is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you
Lead
Copper
90% of taps |
0 |
tested must |
|
not exceed |
|
15 ppb |
|
90% of taps |
1.3 |
tested must |
|
not exceed |
|
1.3 ppm |
|
3 ppb
0.3 ppm
Two (2) Corrosion of out of 61 household
taps plumbing sampled systems
Zero (0) Corrosion of out of 61 household
taps plumbing sampled systems
may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and the steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead.
*2020
Substances detected in the water and the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) allowed in drinking water according to federal and state regulations are shown in the table below. is report lists only the substances that were detected in the water. If you would like to receive a list of all the
substances tested in city of Phoenix water, please contact the Water Services Department’s Customer Services Division at
of a substance or contaminant in drinking water does NOT necessarily indicate the drinking water poses a health risk.
SUBSTANCE |
UNITS |
MCL |
MCLG |
|
|
|
|
Arsenic** |
ppb |
10- Running |
0 |
|
|
Annual Avg. |
|
Barium |
ppm |
2 |
2 |
Chromium |
ppb |
100 |
100 |
Fluoride |
ppm |
4 |
4 |
Nitrate*** |
ppm |
10 |
10 |
(as N) |
|
|
|
Selenium |
ppb |
50 |
50 |
SAMPLE RESULTS RANGE
ND - 8
0.002 - 0.1
ND - 80
0.3 - 0.7
ND - 4
ND - 1
HIGHEST RUNNING ANNUAL AVERAGE
7
NA
46
NA
NA
NA
MAJOR SOURCE IN
DRINKING WATER
Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from orchards; Runoff from glass and electronics production wastes.
Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits.
Discharge from steel and pulp mills; Erosion of natural deposits.
Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive, which promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories.
Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits.
Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from mines
**While your drinking water meets EPA's standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.
***Nitrate in drinking water at levels greater than 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask for advice from your health care provider.
SUBSTANCE |
UNITS |
MCL |
MCLG |
|
|
|
|
Alpha Emitters |
pCi/L |
15 |
0 |
Combined Radium |
pCi/L |
5 |
0 |
Uranium |
ppb |
30 |
0 |
SAMPLE RESULTS RANGE
ND - 2.7
ND - 0.6
ND - 4.7
MAJOR SOURCE IN |
|
ABBREVIATIONS / FOOTNOTES USED IN TABLES |
|
|
DRINKING WATER |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Erosion of natural deposits |
NA |
Not Applicable |
||
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
|
|
ND |
Not Detected (substance was analyzed but not detected) |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
Erosion of natural deposits |
pCi/L |
Picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity) |
||
2020 MICROBIOLOGICAL MONITORING IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
SUBSTANCE
MCL
MCLG
E. COLI MCL VIOLATION
MAJOR SOURCE
IN DRINKING WATER
Total Coliform Bacteria |
TT (Level 1 or Level 2 Assessment) |
NA |
NA (Level 1 or Level 2 |
Naturally present |
|
|
|
assessment not required) |
in the environment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. coli Bacteria |
Routine and repeat samples are total |
0 |
No |
Human or animal |
|
is E. |
|
|
fecal waste |
|
E. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source Water Assessment Summary for the City Drinking Water Sources
e Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) conducted a source water assessment for the drinking water wells and the surface water sources for the city of Phoenix water treatment plants in 2005. is assessment reviewed the adjacent land uses that may pose a potential risk to the water sources. ese risks include, but are not limited to, gas stations, landfills, dry cleaners, agricultural fields, wastewater treatment plants, and mining activities. Once ADEQ identified the adjacent land uses, they were ranked as to their potential to affect the water source.
e assessment has designated water from the Central Arizona Project (CAP) aqueduct to have a high risk because the source water is often stored in Lake Pleasant prior to being transported to a city water treatment plant.
ere have been reportable releases or spills of a substance at a facility near the lake that have not been reported as being remediated. e spill at this facility makes the CAP source water susceptible to potential future contamination.
Phoenix ensures the safety of your drinking water by continuously monitoring the treated water as required by drinking water regulations. Phoenix also conducts other monitoring and studies to assess water quality. If any contaminant approaches the drinking water MCL, treatment is installed or wells are removed from service.
Residents can help protect our water sources by practicing good septic system maintenance, taking hazardous household chemicals to hazardous material collection sites, and limiting pesticide and fertilizer use.
e complete report is available for review at ADEQ, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007 or by requesting an electronic copy from ADEQ at recordscenter@azdeq.gov
For more information visit the ADEQ website at: http://www.azdeq.gov/node/735, or contact the Phoenix Water Services Department’s Customer Services Division at
INTERNET SITES THAT PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Arizona Department of Health Services azdhs.gov
Maricopa County Environmental Services Dept. maricopa.gov/envsvc
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency water.epa.gov/drink
Centers for Disease Control cdc.gov
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality azdeq.gov
Tap Into Quality
tapintoquality.com
Tests Show No Cryptosporidium or Giardia in Our Drinking Water
Phoenix tests water for various microbiological organisms, including Cryptosporidium (often called Crypto, for short) and Giardia. Crypto and Giardia cause diarrheal illness through ingestion of soil, food, water or surfaces that have been contaminated with feces from infected humans or animals. ere were no cases of the disease caused by either organism attributed to the public water supply in our service area. Low levels of Giardia and Crypto were found in raw water before it was treated by the water treatment plants. Phoenix did not detect any Crypto in our finished water.
Under the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR), EPA requires Phoenix and other large water systems to conduct monthly monitoring for Crypto in their source water. e LT2ESWTR results determine if additional treatment is needed to remove these organisms. Phoenix monitored for Crypto at each water treatment plant from April 2015 until March 2017. Results range from not detected to 0.1 oocyst per liter of Crypto in the source water. Based on the monitoring results, Phoenix does not require any additional treatment. For more information about Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other microbial contaminants, contact the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
PHOENIX.GOV/WATER /PHXWATER
Contaminants
City of Phoenix
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 1579000
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 18
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Arsenic
- Chlorite
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Nitrate
- Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Uranium
Other Detected Contaminants
- 2%2C4-D
- Barium
- Bromate
- Chlorate
- Chromium (total)
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Molybdenum
- Strontium
- Vanadium
- Xylenes (total)
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.
Sources and Resources
Sources Cited
Additional Resources
The quality of tap water has become an important factor to consider for your health and safety especially given the surprisingly increasing cases of water-borne diseases and illnesses.
So we have been discussing the quality of tap water in different cities. In this post, we will be talking about the quality of tap water in Phoenix, Arizona.
Is Phoenix Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Phoenix tap water is usually very safe to drink. The governmental bodies responsible for handling and treating the water in phoenix proudly claim that their water goes through over five million tests every year to make sure the quality of water supplied to the houses of phoenix is safe.
In fact, they also perform tons of tests daily as well, so as to catch any sudden, undesired changes in the quality of water and act in time to safeguard the residents of the city.
They use advanced equipment and laboratories to check the water for over 100 different types of contaminants. Moreover, they also promise to notify the residents of Phoenix as soon as they find something that may indicate an issue with the quality of water.
The tap water quality in Phoenix meets or exceeds all requirements set by the EPA, the federal or the state authorities. So the quality of tap water in Phoenix is unlikely to be an issue for your health or safety.
During our research, we also found many residents of the city who personally performed various tests on their house’s tap water and found that it’s beyond safe and exceeds the safety levels and measurements to a great extent.
What’s Up With the Tap Water Taste in Phoenix?
Well, yes, the taste of the tap water in Phoenix can be a real issue. But it doesn’t reflect anything about the quality of tap water in your house.
If your tap water is having a bad taste or an odor, it doesn’t mean the water being supplied to your house is not safe or doesn’t meet the quality requirements. The taste and odors are a completely different issue, and often also seasonal.
The thing is, just before fall, the algae and minerals start accumulating in the rivers from where the tap water in Phoenix comes from. While they are treated during the numerous treatment processes before reaching your house, the taste or smell doesn’t always go away completely. And that’s precisely how you get an odor or a bad taste.
What to Do About It?
There are certain home remedies that may help you eliminate the bad taste or odor in your tap water. Similarly, there’s also the option of using a faucet or refrigerator filter, or also some more advanced type of water filter.
These solutions would go a long way in removing the bad taste from your water while also maintaining the quality and safety of your water.
Steps Being Taken by the City Authorities
It isn’t that the taste and odor issues of the tap water in Phoenix have been entirely left to the residents of the city. The Phoenix authorities responsible for the treatment of water have also been working hard to prevent these issues at their end to as much extent as possible.
Despite the already high quality of water they supply, they have been using carbon in their treatment of the water to prevent the bad taste as much as they can. Furthermore, they also use some advanced systems that let them actively monitor both the quality and taste of the water, as well as sampling techniques to always stay on top of the taste and quality of the water supplied to your house.
Similarly, they don’t rely on what has probably otherwise been the main source of tap water in Phoenix, the Salt River Project water or SRP. They have been blending Central Arizona Project with the SRP, as well as employing techniques like canal brushing to dilute the presence of odor-causing algae as much as they can.
Hardness of Water
In addition to the (often occasional) taste and odor issues of Phoenix tap water, another issue has been the hardness of the water. Phoenix tap water is very rich in minerals, and those minerals can contribute to its hardness.
Magnesium and calcium, in particular, are majorly responsible for the hardness of Phoenix tap water. While they are not at all bad for your health, they kind of spoil the “aesthetics” of your water.
Again, if you find this to be a significant issue with your tap water, then using a quality water filter is probably your best bet.
One Potential Safety Issue
While we just explained how Phoenix tap water is considered extremely safe, we are also going to tell you a potential safety issue with the tap water in your home. However, you must note that it has nothing to do with the quality of water being supplied to your home, but rather the dated pipeline that may sometimes turn out to be a culprit.
Outdated interior plumbing is often found to have an unsafely high amount of lead or other harmful substances. When they get mixed with your water, they may make it unsafe for drinking or pose a risk of health issues.
However, it may not be necessary to replace the entire interior plumbing system of your home. In most cases, simply letting your tap water run into the sink for about a minute should prevent this potential safety issue.
The lead or other harmful substances that may have accumulated in the water stuck in your house’s pipeline would get cleared, and so would the overnight stale water. After a minute of letting the water run, you will start getting fresh water in your tap with no lead remains of your pipeline or stale water.
Is a Water Filter Necessary?
A water filter, especially an advanced or expensive one, is definitely not a necessity for Phoenix residents given everything we discussed the quality of tap water in the city. However, if you find the taste or hardness of the tap water an issue personally, you may consider using a good water filter depending on your personal needs.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions when using the water filter, though.