What Phoenix Residents Should Know
Phoenix's water supply primarily comes from the Colorado, Salt, and Verde Rivers, with groundwater serving as a supplemental source. As the nation's fifth-largest city located in the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix faces unique water quality challenges related to its geography and climate.
The city's water treatment plants produce water that meets all federal and state standards, but Phoenix water is known for being extremely hard, containing high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. While not a health concern, hard water can cause scaling on plumbing fixtures, reduce soap effectiveness, and impact appliance longevity.
Additionally, historical industrial activities have affected groundwater quality in certain areas, with chromium-6 contamination being a concern in some parts of the city. Phoenix's aging infrastructure also includes some neighborhoods with lead service lines, primarily in homes built before 1986.
Key Contaminants Found
These substances have been detected in Phoenix's water supply at levels that may be concerning for some residents.
Chromium-6
Near Limit in Some AreasSource: Industrial discharges, natural geological formations, electroplating operations
Health Effects: Increased risk of lung cancer when inhaled, possible digestive tract cancers, liver and kidney damage
Phoenix Levels: 0.02-0.09 ppb with higher levels (up to 4.1 ppb) in West Phoenix and industrial corridors
California Public Health Goal: 0.02 ppb (no federal standard)
Lead
Near Limit in Some AreasSource: Lead service lines, lead solder in plumbing, and older fixtures (especially in pre-1986 buildings)
Health Effects: Developmental delays in children, learning disabilities, reduced IQ, kidney problems, high blood pressure
Phoenix Levels: Average 4.6 ppb (90th percentile), with 5% of samples exceeding the EPA action level
EPA Limit: Action level 15 ppb, but no safe level exists
Hard Water Minerals
Not a Health ConcernSource: Natural mineral content in surface and groundwater sources
Health Effects: No direct health concerns, but can cause dry skin, hair issues, and appliance/plumbing damage
Phoenix Levels: 16.5 grains per gallon (281 mg/L), considered "extremely hard"
EPA Limit: Not regulated (aesthetic concern only)
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Below LimitSource: Natural minerals, urban runoff, wastewater, agricultural runoff
Health Effects: No direct health effects at current levels, but can affect taste and water hardness
Phoenix Levels: Average 450-650 mg/L depending on water source and season
EPA Limit: Secondary standard of 500 mg/L (aesthetic guideline)
Neighborhood Variations
Water quality can vary across Phoenix's diverse neighborhoods, primarily due to differences in water source, infrastructure age, and proximity to industrial areas.
Risk Areas by Neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Risk Level | Primary Concern | Buildings Pre-1986 | Water Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Phoenix/Maryvale | High | Chromium-6, Lead | 65% | Mixed |
| South Phoenix | High | Lead, Industrial Contaminants | 72% | Surface Water |
| Central Phoenix | Medium | Lead, Hard Water | 58% | Surface Water |
| North Phoenix | Medium | Hard Water | 42% | Surface Water |
| Arcadia/Biltmore | Medium | Hard Water, TDS | 45% | Surface Water |
| Desert Ridge/North Scottsdale | Low | Hard Water Only | 8% | Surface Water |
Data based on City of Phoenix Water Services sampling and U.S. Census housing statistics.
Recommended Action Steps
Based on Phoenix's water quality data, we recommend these actions to protect yourself and your family.