Statewide Compliance and Testing

• Overall Compliance: Approximately 88% of Arizona’s 950 public water systems currently meet federal PFAS standards, with about 12% of systems showing levels above EPA limits requiring treatment by 2029.
• PFAS Monitoring: As of April 2024, 83% of Arizona public water systems subject to PFAS regulations have completed testing, with ADEQ conducting comprehensive screening across the state since 2018.
• Infrastructure Investment: Over $68.5 million in combined state and federal funding has been allocated to Arizona for PFAS mitigation, including $63.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and $5 million in state funding from Governor Katie Hobbs.

Major Water Sources and Challenges

• Colorado River System: Provides approximately 29% of Arizona’s municipal water supply through the Central Arizona Project, facing Tier 1 shortage conditions that reduce allocations by about 8% in 2024.
• Salt and Verde Rivers: Managed by Salt River Project, these watersheds provide about 25% of Arizona’s tap water and are considered more climate-resilient than Colorado River sources.
• Groundwater Management: Arizona’s innovative 1980 Groundwater Management Act established Active Management Areas requiring 100-year water supply assurance for new development in heavily populated regions.

Emerging Contaminant Response

• PFAS Regulation Implementation: New EPA drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS (4 parts per trillion) take effect in 2029, with Arizona already implementing proactive testing and treatment programs.
• Treatment Technology Deployment: Water utilities like Tucson Water are implementing advanced treatment technologies including granular activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems for PFAS removal.
• Statewide Mitigation Plan: ADEQ developed a comprehensive PFAS mitigation plan providing assistance to communities like Globe and Payson, offering technical guidance and funding for disadvantaged systems.

Drought and Water Security

• Megadrought Conditions: Arizona continues to face extended drought conditions affecting Colorado River allocations, with Lake Mead and Lake Powell remaining at historically low levels despite recent improvements.
• Conservation Leadership: Arizona has reduced total water use over the past 60 years despite population growth, demonstrating effective conservation programs and demand management strategies.
• Diverse Water Portfolio: The state maintains water security through a diverse portfolio including surface water rights, groundwater banking, reclaimed water, and innovative storage and recovery systems.

Looking Forward: 2025-2030

Arizona’s water quality landscape reflects the state’s pioneering approach to water management in an arid environment. With 88% of public water systems already meeting federal PFAS standards and robust funding mechanisms in place, Arizona is well-positioned to address emerging contaminant challenges by the 2029 compliance deadline. The state’s proven ability to reduce water consumption while supporting population growth, combined with innovative programs like groundwater banking and water reuse, demonstrates that sustainable water management is achievable even in water-scarce regions. However, continued success will require ongoing investment in infrastructure upgrades, expanded conservation efforts, and collaborative planning between state agencies, utilities, and communities to ensure all Arizonans have access to safe, reliable water supplies despite persistent drought conditions and growing populations.