Phoenix, Arizona Water Quality Report
Population: 1,608,139 | Last Updated: 1/14/2024
Overall Water Quality Grade
Based on compliance rates, contaminant levels, and treatment effectiveness
Water Sources
Phoenix receives its drinking water from multiple sources:
Colorado River (CAP)
50%Surface Water
Water from the Colorado River delivered via the Central Arizona Project canal system
Salt and Verde Rivers
40%Surface Water
Local surface water from reservoirs on the Salt and Verde River system
Local Groundwater
10%Groundwater
Supplementary groundwater from Phoenix area aquifers
Detected Contaminants
All contaminants listed below are within legal limits, but some may exceed health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Detected Level | Legal Limit | Health Goal | Status | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 4.2 ppb | 10 ppb | 0.004 ppb | Above Health Goal | → stable |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 58 ppb | 80 ppb | 0 ppb | Below Legal Limit | → stable |
| Chromium-6 | 0.8 ppb | 10 ppb | 0.02 ppb | Above Health Goal | → stable |
| Lead | 4.1 ppb | 15 ppb | 0 ppb | Below Legal Limit | → stable |
| Nitrate | 2.8 ppm | 10 ppm | 0.14 ppm | Above Health Goal | → stable |
Comparison with Arizona State Average
Lead Compliance
3.0 points above state average
Bacterial Compliance
2.0 points above state average
Chemical Compliance
2.0 points above state average
Overall Score
2.0 points above state average
Water Quality Trends
Overall water quality score over the past 5 years
Water quality has improved by 2.0 points since 2019
Contamination History
1,4-Dioxane Detection
Industrial solvent 1,4-dioxane detected in several West Valley wells
Resolution:
Contaminated wells shut down, treatment systems installed, alternate sources utilized
PFAS in Groundwater
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances found in some groundwater wells
Resolution:
Affected wells taken offline, advanced treatment systems planned, increased reliance on surface water
Frequently Asked Questions - Phoenix Water Quality
Is Phoenix tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Phoenix tap water meets all EPA and state drinking water standards. The city conducts over 250,000 water quality tests annually and operates state-of-the-art treatment facilities to ensure safety.
Why is Phoenix water so hard?
Phoenix water hardness (averaging 185 mg/L) comes from natural minerals in the Colorado River and local sources. Hard water is safe to drink and provides beneficial minerals, though it may cause scale buildup on fixtures and appliances.
What is being done about arsenic in Phoenix water?
Arsenic occurs naturally in Arizona's geology. Phoenix's arsenic levels are well below the federal limit of 10 ppb. The city uses source blending and treatment optimization to minimize arsenic levels while maintaining compliance.
How secure is Phoenix's water supply given drought conditions?
Phoenix has diversified its water portfolio with Colorado River water, Salt/Verde River supplies, and stored groundwater. The city has invested in conservation, infrastructure, and long-term water banking to ensure reliability through drought periods.
Should I use a water softener in Phoenix?
Water softeners are optional and a personal choice. They can reduce mineral deposits on fixtures but require maintenance and add sodium to water. The city's hard water is safe to drink and doesn't require softening for health reasons.
Nearby Water Utilities
Compare water quality in nearby cities:
Mesa, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ
Tempe, AZ
Glendale, AZ
Utility Information
Water Provider
City of Phoenix Water Services Department
Contact Information
Customer Service: 602-262-6251
Emergency: 602-262-6251
Data Disclaimer
This water quality report is compiled from publicly available data and annual water quality reports. For the most current information, please contact your local water utility or visit their official website. Last updated: 1/14/2024.