What's in Phoenix's Tap Water?

If you are living in Phoenix, or perhaps moving there, chances are that you are also wondering what is actually in the tap water there, and if it is even safe to drink, why it tastes different from other parts of the country, and if one should actually be considering filtering it.

These are all questions that are common among Arizonans. This guide has all the answers, and it requires no knowledge of chemistry. We’ll take a look at Phoenix’s water sources, possible contaminants, comparisons to federal regulations, and steps that can be taken to improve water quality.

Phoenix uses a combination of surface water and groundwater, and this contributes to the higher level of minerals found in Phoenix’s water relative to other U.S. cities.

Sources of Freshwater Found in Phoenix:

• Colorado River (provided through the Central Arizona Project canal)
• Salt River, Verde River
• Local groundwater wells

The main source of water for the city is surface water , and groundwater acts as a supplementary source during periods of high demand or drought.

Being in a desert region, it can be inferred that water travels long distances in Arizona. This has an impact on Phoenix’s tap water quality—primarily with respect to hardness and total dissolved solids.

Short answer: Yes—not necessarily ideal for everyone.

The tap water in Phoenix complies with EPA drinking water standards and is safe for consumption. Regular testing of water quality in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act is carried out by the Phoenix authorities.

However, "safe" is not always "perfect." Many residents have reported that:

• Presence of strong chlorine taste or odor
• Mineral deposits on faucets and appliances
• Dry skin and hair after showers
• Sensitive to digestive discomforts

These typically involve disinfectants, hard minerals in tap water, and trace compounds that are allowed by federal regulations but are problematic for drinking.

Related article: 5 Surprising Contaminants Found in Your Tap Water: How to Remove Them

Here are the key contaminants found in Phoenix tap water:

Phoenix disinfects its water by using both chlorine and chloramines to fight bacteria.

• Good for public health
• Causes unpleasant taste and odor
• May irritate skin or eyes in sensitive individuals

Chlorine content is also regulated; however, many residents opt to remove the chlorine to get fresher water.

Phoenix is known for having very hard water due to the high amounts of calcium and magnesium.

• Causes scaling in pipes and appliances
• Decreases soap foam
• Leaves a white residue on dishes and glassware

Hard water does not pose health hazards, though it influences maintenance and comfort.

TDS stands for the minerals, salts, and metals that are dissolved in the water.

Tap water in Phoenix is usually high in TDS because:

• Long-distance transport
• Desert geology
• Evaporation in reservoirs

High TDS values can cause water to have a bitter or salty taste despite being potable.

Arsenic is found naturally in the soil and rock in Arizona.

• The Phoenix water meets the EPA arsenic standards.
• Exposure at even low levels worries community members.
• For infants, pregnant women, and those with health conditions in particular.

Nitrates enter the water through:

• Agricultural runoff
• Fertilizers
• Wastewater seepage

Nitrate is particularly monitored by Phoenix because high levels will affect infants negatively. Although legal concentrations are adhered to, some families consider water filtration systems as an extra precaution.

PFAS is an emerging contaminant in America.

• Associated with industrial processes and firefighting foam
• Present in the environment
• Not always completely regulated yet

Cities like Phoenix are constantly testing and researching PFAS, resulting in the rise of home filtration system interest.

Click here if you want to learn more about What is PFAS in Tap Water? | Expert Insight .

People moving to the state have noticed that the water served in Phoenix tastes unlike the water found in the Midwest or the Pacific Northwest. This is attributed mainly to the fact that the water:

• High mineral content
• Chlorine or Chloramine Disinfectants
• High TDS
• Water storage in canals & reservoirs

Taste is not a warning indicator of safety, but it plays a crucial role in whether citizens feel comfortable drinking water from the tap.

Bottled water can be sourced either from filtered tap water, natural springs, or reverse osmosis . Although it tastes better, it is:

• More expensive
• Generates plastic waste
• Not always better regulated than tap water

Many people in the Phoenix area prefer home filtration because it’s a budget-friendly and eco-friendly solution.

Think about filtering if:

• You don't like the taste or smell
• Want to reduce chlorine and sediment
• Concerned about arsenic, nitrates, or PFAS
• Suffer from sensitive skin and/or digestive problems
• Want extra protection for children or the elderly

Check official statistics through:

• Annual Phoenix water quality reports
• EPA Consumer Confidence Reports
• Home testing kits for independence

It also allows you to choose the best filtration systems to suit your needs.

Phoenix water is very hard because of the high amounts of calcium and magnesium that are present.

Yes, it is safe, although many people filter it for taste and contaminants.

It may include trace amounts of naturally occurring arsenic.

Generally, it is the chlorine, minerals, and TDS.

Filtered tap water can actually prove to be less expensive, more eco-friendly, and equally safe compared to bottled water when a good water filter is used.

Recognizing that Phoenix tap water is safe, regulated, and reliable and having desert-seasoned traits relating to distant transportation and minerals found in the earth makes this water unsatisfying due to high minerals and contaminants such as disinfectants and trace substances. For many families, installing a filtration system is one step they can take to achieve better hydration, better cooking, and ultimately peace of mind.

Whether you are new to Phoenix or have lived there for years, it’s helpful to know exactly what’s in your tap water.