Salt Lake City – Utah – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Salt Lake City’s Department of Public Utilities manages a comprehensive water system serving over 350,000 residents across Salt Lake City and portions of surrounding Salt Lake County. Established in 1876, the water system encompasses approximately 1,800 miles of water mains, several reservoirs, and state-of-the-art treatment facilities, delivering approximately 90 million gallons daily to the greater Salt Lake City metropolitan area.
Salt Lake City draws its drinking water from seven primary mountain streams in the nearby Wasatch Mountains and several groundwater sources, including deep wells and springs. The system maintains exceptional source water quality through comprehensive watershed management programs that protect over 190 square miles of watershed land. Salt Lake City’s water has historically been recognized for its exceptional mountain-source quality, though like many growing cities, it faces ongoing challenges with aging infrastructure and sustainable supply management given the arid climate. The city has implemented significant investments in watershed protection, pipeline replacement, water treatment upgrades, and conservation initiatives to maintain high water quality while ensuring future sustainability.
Salt Lake City Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 5.2 parts per billion (ppb), well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, reflecting the city’s effective corrosion control program.
- Testing Scope: Salt Lake City conducts over 50,000 water quality tests annually across the system, including microbiological, chemical, and radiological analyses at treatment plants and throughout the distribution network.
- Compliance Status: Salt Lake City’s water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining compliance with EPA and Utah Division of Drinking Water regulations.
Protected Watershed Sources
- Wasatch Mountain Sources: Primary source (60% of supply) includes Parleys, Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood, and City Creek canyons, all located in protected watersheds with strict recreational and development restrictions.
- Groundwater Sources: Secondary source (40% of supply) includes deep wells and natural springs that tap pristine aquifers along the Wasatch Front.
- Watershed Protection: Over 190 square miles of protected watershed land ensures source water quality through forest management, development restrictions, and carefully regulated recreational use.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Modern Treatment Plants: The Parleys and Big Cottonwood Water Treatment Plants utilize comprehensive processes including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, multi-media filtration, and disinfection.
- UV Disinfection: Primary disinfection uses ultraviolet (UV) treatment at major facilities, providing effective pathogen control while minimizing chemical byproducts.
- Corrosion Control: Optimized pH adjustment and alkalinity management prevent metal leaching from pipes, with water chemistry tailored to system requirements and source water characteristics.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Pipeline Replacement: Annual replacement of approximately 17 miles of aging water mains, prioritizing areas with high leak rates and oldest infrastructure.
- Seismic Resilience: Comprehensive program to upgrade infrastructure for earthquake preparedness, including flexible pipe connections and reinforced treatment facilities.
- Smart Water Management: Advanced metering infrastructure with leak detection capabilities and real-time system monitoring to improve efficiency and water quality management in this water-scarce region.
Customer Protection Initiatives
Salt Lake City provides extensive customer support including free water quality testing services, conservation programs, and payment assistance for qualified residents. The city’s Water Conservation Program offers rebates for efficient fixtures and landscaping, while educational outreach helps residents understand water quality and conservation. Salt Lake City’s commitment to environmental stewardship includes protecting critical watersheds and implementing sustainable water management practices to ensure reliable water supplies despite climate change challenges. The city’s integration of mountain water sources and groundwater, combined with ongoing modernization efforts, ensures reliable, high-quality water delivery to residents while addressing the unique challenges of water provision in the arid Western United States.
Recommendations for Salt Lake City Residents
Test Your Water
Request free water quality testing by calling (801) 483-6900 or visiting slc.gov/utilities. While Salt Lake City’s water meets all standards, testing is especially important for homes built before the 1980s.
Utilize Rebate Programs
Apply for water conservation rebates through the Water Conservation Program for high-efficiency toilets, smart irrigation controllers, and water-wise landscaping. Visit slc.gov/utilities/conservation for application details.
Consider Filtration
While not required, NSF-certified filters (Standard 53) can provide extra assurance, particularly for those with health concerns or homes with older plumbing. Look for filters specifically rated for contaminants of personal concern.
Conserve Water
Living in a desert climate, conservation is essential. Use water-efficient fixtures, adjust sprinkler schedules seasonally, water before 10 AM or after 6 PM, and consider xeriscaping for significant outdoor water savings.
Report Issues
Contact (801) 483-6900 immediately for water main breaks, pressure problems, or quality concerns. For emergencies after hours, call the 24-hour emergency hotline at (801) 483-6700.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salt Lake City’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Salt Lake City’s tap water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards. The city’s water primarily comes from protected mountain watersheds with excellent source water quality and undergoes comprehensive treatment including UV disinfection and multi-media filtration.
Recent testing shows 90th percentile lead levels at 5.2 ppb, well below EPA action levels of 15 ppb. The city’s effective corrosion control program helps minimize any metal leaching from plumbing. While overall quality is excellent, homes built before the 1980s may have older plumbing components. The city provides free water quality testing for residents with concerns about their specific household water quality.
Why does Salt Lake City have water restrictions?
Salt Lake City implements water conservation measures due to its arid climate and growing population:
Year-Round Conservation Guidelines:
• Outdoor watering restricted to between 8 PM and 10 AM to minimize evaporation
• Even/odd watering schedule based on address numbers
• No watering during precipitation or when unnecessary
Drought Response Levels:
• Stage 1: Voluntary conservation measures
• Stage 2: Mandatory schedule restrictions, limited to 2-3 days per week
• Stage 3: Severe drought measures, potential ban on outdoor watering
Current watering restrictions and conservation status are available at slc.gov/utilities/conservation.
Why does Salt Lake City use UV disinfection?
Salt Lake City uses UV (ultraviolet) disinfection as a primary treatment method, followed by minimal chlorine for residual protection. This approach offers several advantages:
• Highly effective: UV light inactivates bacteria, viruses, and protozoa including Cryptosporidium, which is resistant to chlorine
• No chemical byproducts: UV treatment doesn’t create disinfection byproducts that can form with chemical disinfectants
• Better taste: Reduces the need for high chlorine levels, improving the taste and odor of the water
• Environmentally friendly: No harmful chemicals added to the water during this process
The small amount of chlorine added after UV treatment ensures continued disinfection throughout the distribution system while minimizing taste and odor issues.
How is Salt Lake City preparing for future water needs?
Salt Lake City is implementing a comprehensive water sustainability strategy:
Supply Resilience:
• Diversification of water sources including groundwater aquifer storage and recovery
• Water rights acquisitions and long-term agreements to secure future supply
• Watershed protection and management to ensure source quality
Demand Management:
• Aggressive conservation targets to reduce per capita usage by 25% by 2030
• Water-efficient landscaping requirements for new development
• Smart water metering to detect leaks and improve usage awareness
Climate Adaptation:
• Infrastructure upgrades for increased temperature scenarios
• Modified reservoir operations to account for changing snowmelt patterns
• Partnerships with academic institutions to model future climate impacts
Contaminants of Concern
Water Hardness
Source: Natural calcium and magnesium minerals from mountain watershed geology and groundwater sources; not a health concern but can affect plumbing and appliances
Effects: Scale buildup in pipes and appliances, reduced soap lathering, spots on dishes and fixtures, potential reduced appliance lifespan
Current Levels: Moderately hard to hard (150-300 mg/L as calcium carbonate), varying seasonally and by source Standards: No EPA limit as hardness is not a health concern
Naturally Occurring Radon
Source: Natural radioactive decay in deep groundwater sources; can be present in some well water but typically dissipates quickly during treatment and distribution
Health Effects: Primarily a concern when radon gas is released into indoor air; long-term exposure to elevated levels can increase risk of lung cancer
Current Status: Regularly monitored in groundwater sources; levels well below proposed EPA advisory levels; treatment processes effectively reduce any naturally occurring radon
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