Glendale – Arizona – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Glendale Water Services provides comprehensive water and wastewater services to approximately 250,000 residents across this vibrant West Valley city, known for its sports and entertainment districts. Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Glendale operates a sophisticated water system that encompasses multiple treatment facilities, hundreds of miles of distribution lines, and innovative water reclamation technologies that deliver an average of 35 million gallons of drinking water daily to Arizona’s fourth-largest city.
Glendale sources its water from five primary sources: the Salt River Project system drawing from the Salt and Verde Rivers, Central Arizona Project delivering Colorado River water, limited groundwater reserves, reclaimed wastewater, and stored water credits for drought resilience. The city’s water is treated at the jointly-owned Pyramid Peak Water Treatment Plant with Peoria, along with direct connections to the Salt River Project distribution system. Glendale’s water consistently meets all federal and state quality standards, though the desert city faces ongoing challenges with water conservation, PFAS contamination mitigation, arsenic treatment, and infrastructure modernization as it prepares for continued population growth in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Glendale Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- EPA Compliance Status: Glendale’s water supply meets all federal drinking water standards as of 2024, with continuous monitoring for over 100 different contaminants to ensure regulatory compliance.
- PFAS Monitoring: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality testing shows Glendale is among the 88% of Arizona water systems that meet new EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFAS compounds, with ongoing monitoring for 29 different PFAS chemicals.
- Testing Frequency: Glendale conducts comprehensive water quality testing throughout its distribution system, including quarterly sampling for regulated contaminants and proactive monitoring for emerging contaminants of concern.
Water Sources
- Salt River Project: Primary surface water source (approximately 60% of supply) from the Salt and Verde River systems, originating from snowmelt and monsoon rains in northeastern and central Arizona, delivered via SRP’s extensive canal system.
- Central Arizona Project: Colorado River water delivered through the Central Arizona Project canal system, providing approximately 25% of the city’s water supply with an annual allocation of 22,732 acre-feet during normal years.
- Groundwater & Reclaimed Water: Limited groundwater pumping from local aquifers and innovative reclaimed water systems that treat wastewater for reuse in landscaping and aquifer recharge, enhancing water supply resilience.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Pyramid Peak Water Treatment Plant: Jointly operated with Peoria, this facility treats Colorado River water from the Central Arizona Project canal using advanced multi-barrier treatment processes including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
- Salt River Project Direct Service: Areas within SRP service boundaries receive treated water directly from SRP’s system, which utilizes state-of-the-art treatment facilities and extensive quality monitoring throughout the distribution network.
- Reclaimed Water Treatment: Advanced wastewater treatment facilities produce high-quality reclaimed water for landscape irrigation and groundwater recharge, reducing demand on potable water supplies while supporting sustainability goals.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Treatment Plant Upgrades: Ongoing $25 million improvement project at Pyramid Peak Water Treatment Plant (shared with Peoria) includes facility rehabilitation, new treatment trains, and enhanced monitoring systems scheduled for completion in 2026.
- Distribution System Renewal: Systematic replacement of aging water infrastructure, including sewer lines dating to the 1940s, with modern materials and smart monitoring technologies to improve system reliability and reduce water loss.
- PFAS Mitigation Planning: Proactive planning for potential PFAS treatment technologies and monitoring systems to address emerging contaminant concerns and ensure long-term water quality compliance.
Customer Protection Initiatives
Glendale Water Services maintains a strong commitment to customer service and water quality transparency through comprehensive annual water quality reports, 24/7 customer service availability at 623-930-2770, and expanded water conservation rebate programs to help residents reduce water usage and costs. The city’s proactive approach includes testing ahead of EPA deadlines, participation in statewide PFAS monitoring initiatives, and investment in advanced treatment technologies. Glendale’s strategic water portfolio, combining multiple sources and storage options, provides resilience against drought conditions while supporting the continued growth of this dynamic West Valley community through sustainable water management practices.
Recommendations for Glendale Residents
Test Your Water
Contact Glendale Water Services at 623-930-2770 to request water quality testing information or to report any water quality concerns. Independent testing is recommended for homes with older plumbing or private wells in surrounding areas.
Desert Landscaping
Take advantage of Glendale’s expanded water conservation rebate program offering financial incentives for drought-tolerant landscaping, efficient irrigation systems, and water-saving appliances. Visit glendaleaz.com for current rebate offerings.
Consider Home Filtration
While Glendale’s water meets all federal standards, homes concerned about arsenic, PFAS, or other contaminants may benefit from NSF-certified filtration systems (Standards 53 and 58) designed for Arizona’s specific water quality challenges.
Participate in Rebate Programs
Apply for Glendale’s water conservation rebates including incentives for high-efficiency appliances, smart irrigation controllers, and xeriscaping projects. The city offers financial assistance to help residents save water and reduce utility costs in Arizona’s desert climate.
Report Issues
Contact Glendale Water Services at 623-930-2770 (available 24/7) for water main breaks, pressure problems, or quality concerns. The city also offers online utility account management and bill payment at myutility.glendaleaz.com.
Quality News About Your Water
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glendale’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Glendale’s tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The city’s water comes from multiple sources including the Salt River Project, Central Arizona Project, and limited groundwater, all of which undergo comprehensive treatment processes.
Glendale Water Services conducts continuous monitoring throughout the distribution system to ensure water quality compliance. The city’s strategic approach includes treatment at the Pyramid Peak facility and direct service from Salt River Project’s advanced treatment systems. Annual water quality reports provide transparent information about all testing results and demonstrate the city’s commitment to delivering safe drinking water to residents.
What are the main water quality concerns in Glendale?
Glendale proactively monitors for several contaminants of concern in Arizona’s water supply:
1. Arsenic: Naturally occurring in Arizona groundwater, monitored and treated to maintain levels below EPA standards
2. PFAS (Forever Chemicals): Recent testing shows Glendale meets new EPA standards for PFAS compounds, with ongoing monitoring for 29 different PFAS chemicals
3. Fluoride: Added to drinking water for dental health, with levels maintained within EPA-recommended ranges
The city’s multi-source water supply and advanced treatment technologies help ensure these and other potential contaminants are managed effectively.
How is Glendale addressing water conservation?
Glendale has implemented comprehensive water conservation measures appropriate for Arizona’s desert climate:
• Rebate Programs: Financial incentives for drought-tolerant landscaping, efficient appliances, and smart irrigation systems
• Reclaimed Water Systems: Treatment and reuse of wastewater for landscape irrigation and groundwater recharge
• Stage 1 Drought Management: The city entered Stage 1 of its drought management plan in June 2022, implementing enhanced conservation measures
• Public Education: Ongoing outreach about water conservation practices suitable for the Sonoran Desert environment
These initiatives help ensure sustainable water management while supporting continued growth in the West Valley.
What should I know about upcoming rate changes?
Glendale City Council has approved water rate adjustments to support infrastructure improvements:
Effective October 2025:
• 13.3% increase in water costs and 4.5% increase in sewer costs
• New $3 monthly stormwater fee (similar to surrounding cities)
• Total impact: approximately $9.44 per month for typical single-family residence using 9,000 gallons
Future Planning:
• No rate increase planned for 2026
• Rate adjustments through 2030 will support infrastructure modernization, including replacement of sewer lines from the 1940s and advanced treatment technology upgrades
These investments ensure reliable water service and regulatory compliance for Glendale’s growing community.
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