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In a city surrounded by desert, having access to water–especially in seasons of drought and sweltering summers–is a necessity. The local government works diligently to reduce water usage to keep its citizens well supplied with available tap water. The question then becomes: Is tap water in Phoenix safe to drink?
Phoenix’s drinking water does not stem from one particular source, but from a variety of surface water sources. 98% of drinking water in Phoenix comes from the Salt, Verde, and Colorado Rivers, most of which are supplied by melted snow (1). The other 2% of the water supply comes from publicly-owned groundwater wells.
The city of Phoenix currently meets or exceeds all state and federal requirements for clean drinking water. The city thoroughly runs more than ten thousand tests and measurements every day to ensure their water supplies continue to meet these standards, and they test for over 100 substances, both regulated and unregulated (2). The results of these exams can be seen consolidated on their annual water quality reports.
The most common complaint about water in Phoenix is due to its hardness, but water hardness is an aesthetic issue, not one of safety. While by both federal and state standards Phoenix water is safe to drink, it still does contain contaminants that some people prefer not to drink.
Because Phoenix’s drinking water is disinfected with chlorine, total trihalomethanes (also known as TTHMs), are present in drinking water in small amounts. TTHMs are organic contaminants that occur due to the use of chlorine in water disinfecting. The maximum contaminant level for TTHMs set by the Environmental Protection Agency is currently 80 parts per billion, and water in Phoenix averages around 59 parts per billion (1).
While this amount is still below the regulated amount, many people are becoming wary of any level of TTHMs found in their water, as total trihalomethane exposure has been linked to liver, kidney, and colon cancer. That being said, more research is still being conducted on the long-term health effects of low exposure to TTHMs.
Additionally, Phoenix’s water quality report does note traces of lead in their drinking water. This is not typically something the government can control, however, since lead does not typically stem from groundwater sources. Instead, the most common way for lead to enter a water supply is through lead pipes, plumbing fixtures, and faucets in individual households. Therefore, it is up to the individual to pay for and replace older fixtures that could be contaminating their water with lead.
The EPA currently sets the amount of lead allowed in water at zero due to its laundry-list of dangerous health effects. Children are the most susceptible to lead poisoning, and they are at a higher risk of lowered IQ, damage to the brain and nervous systems, slowed growth, and headaches than adults (3). In adults, lead exposure is connected to reproductive problems, hypertension, nerve disorders, and memory problems.
Lead is arguably the most dangerous contaminant that can be found in your drinking water, and it is up to the individual to defend themselves and their family from its effects.
PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemical compounds known for being nearly indestructible. Termed “forever chemicals,” PFAS are most commonly found in manufacturing facilities that make nonstick substances–anything from nonstick pans to raincoats. Industrial runoff is the main culprit of how PFAS end up in our water supply, but they were unenforceable by the government until recently.
The maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFAS is set at zero, although there are thousands of varieties of PFAS and not all are currently monitored. Phoenix’s drinking water does not contain excessive amounts of PFAS, with those regulated averaging from 0.005 to 0.011 parts per billion (1). Because PFAS are relatively new in the world of research, their health effects are still being discussed. That being said, it is believed that PFAS exposure is linked to liver damage, cholesterol changes, testicular and kidney cancer, and developmental defects in fetuses.
Lastly, Phoenix’s levels of arsenic range from zero to eight parts per billion, while the maximum contaminant level is set at ten (1). This means the water is still safe to drink by federal standards, but it does not mitigate the fact that arsenic is still present in the water.
Arsenic may enter a water source due to runoff from orchards, electronic waste, or through erosion, since arsenic is an element found naturally in the earth’s crust. Some groundwater sources contain arsenic before it even enters the public water treatment plant.
Exposure to arsenic, even in small doses, is thought to be detrimental to your health. In adults, arsenic can lead to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. In children, arsenic exposure can lead to stunted cognitive development or, in extreme cases, death.
To avoid exposing yourself or your loved ones to harmful contaminants, it is important to take the necessary precautions. Replacing old lead pipes or running the tap water on cold are two helpful ways to reduce lead exposure, but some of the other contaminants present may take a bit more work to get them out of your water supply.
A water filter is the most effective way to remove harmful contaminants from your water. That being said, not all water filters are created equal. Both quality, cost, and time-efficiency needs to be taken into consideration when investing in your family’s health. At Seychelle, our Gen 2 Dual Regular Water Pitcher will remove 99.99% of chemical contaminants (including PFAS and TTHMS), inorganic contaminants (including lead and arsenic), and aesthetic contaminants (including odors or tastes associated with hard water.) The Gen 2 Dual Regular Water Pitcher is independently lab-tested both nationally and internationally to ensure the highest quality filter, and it saves money since it filters your tap water instead of installing a whole new water system.
By both federal and local standards, Phoenix meets or surpasses all standards for safe drinking water. The government’s annual water quality reports allows its citizens to stay informed on what is in their water and why. That being said, some people prefer to filter out even the smallest traces of harmful contaminants like lead and arsenic, and using a water filter can help give these people the peace of mind they need to drink their water without fear.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Phoenix?
Yes. Phoenix tap water meets or exceeds all state and federal requirements.
Does Arizona have good water quality?
Yes, Arizona as a whole has safe drinking water. However, some people complain of a particular taste since Arizona tends to have hard water.
Can you drink well water in Arizona?
Wells in Arizona are privately owned, so it is the responsibility of the well owner to test their water for contaminants.
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