June 24 to June 25. For public safety, certain trails are restricted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Water Services FAQs
Below are frequently asked questions regarding major topics that Phoenix Water Services deals with on a regular basis.
Customer Services Related FAQs
Customers who receive a shut-off notice from the City of Phoenix should call Customer Service 24/7 at 602-262-6251 to use the automated phone system to pay the full balance due on their City Services bill. Once a customer receives a shut-off notice, they cannot use the website to make a payment.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide additional information to customers.
Q: What should customers do if they receive a shut-off notice?
A: Customers who receive a shut-off notice from the City of Phoenix should call Customer Service at 602-262-6251 to pay the balance due on their City Services bill. Customers can use the 24/7 automated phone line to pay their bill.
Q: What should customers do if they are unable to pay?
A: The City of Phoenix has several financial assistance programs. Customers who cannot afford to pay their water bill should call 602-262-6251, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to speak to a customer service representative or visit the Financial Assistance for Phoenix Water Customers page on the phoenix.gov website.
Q: Will customers be charged late fees if their water service is placed on low-flow or shut-off?
A: The Phoenix City Council voted to permanently stop charging late fees for single-family residential customers after water service is placed on low-flow or shut-off.
Q: When will a customer’s water service be restored after it is suspended?
A: If a customer pays the balance due by 4 p.m. on a regular business day, the City of Phoenix will restore water service the same day. If a customer pays their balance after 4 p.m. or on a holiday or weekend, water service will be restored the next business day.
Q: Can customers pay their City Services bill at Chase Bank if water service has been shut-off?
A: Yes. If a customer pays the balance due by 4 p.m. on a regular business day, using Chase Bank, the customer should call Customer Service at 602-262-6251 to notify staff of the payment. Once staff has been notified, the City of Phoenix will restore water service the same day. If a customer pays their balance after 4 p.m. or on a holiday or weekend, water service will be restored the next business day.
Q: Can customers go back on a low-flow device after their water service has been completely shut-off?
A: No. Once a customer’s water service goes from low-flow to shut-off, they must pay the full balance due for water service to be restored.
If you witness a water leak or water waste you can report it through our 24/7 leak reporting site. If you have a water emergency that you need to report, you can also call us at our 24/7 number 602-261-8000.
The City Services Bill (water, wastewater and solid waste) includes an excise tax shown as City Services Tax. As one part of the shared solutions approach to save valuable City services in the 2014-15 budget, the Mayor and City Council approved an excise tax to be added to the City Services Bill, based on meter size.
Below are questions regarding the City Services Taxes and Fees.
Q: What is the City Services Tax?
A: This tax will provide revenue to the City’s General Fund helping to preserve valuable city services such as public safety and criminal justice services, senior programs and recreation services while balancing the budget.
Q: When did this tax begin?
A: The City Services Tax on the City services bill became effective on July 19, 2014, on all water service accounts within the City of Phoenix.
Q: How much is the City Services Tax?
A: All single-family residential water accounts will be assessed $1.50 per month, or about 5 cents per day, regardless of the meter size. All other water accounts will be assessed based on the size of the water meter in use, as shown below:
| Meter Size | Monthly Charge (Except Single-Family Residences) |
| 5/8" | $1.50 |
| 3/4" | $1.50 |
| 1" | $3.75 |
| 1.5" | $7.50 |
| 2" | $12.00 |
| 3" | $22.50 |
| 4" | $37.50 |
| 6" and larger | $75.00 |
Q: Who is charged with the City Services Tax?
A: City of Phoenix residents and businesses who receive a city services bill will be assessed this tax. Accounts located outside of the city limits and fire line accounts are exempt.
Q:. Does this affect monthly water charges?
A: The excise tax is not related to water usage and does not affect your monthly water and/or sewer fees.
Q: Why is the water bill being used for the City Services Tax?
A: Collecting the excise tax through the city services bill is the most efficient method, making use of our existing billing systems, without incurring additional costs.
Q: Where does the City Services Tax appear on my bill?
A: The tax is listed in the section of itemized costs where other taxes and fees are listed. For a detailed explanation of your City Services Bill, visit phoenix.gov.
Q: How cold does it have to be for the water in my household pipes outside to freeze?
A: Typically, your home's pipes begin to freeze when the outside temperature is at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: What is the best way to prevent pipes from freezing?
A: Pipe insulation, made of foam or rubber, can insulate your pipes from freezing temperatures. Polyethylene Foam and rubber pipe insulation should be available at your local do it yourself stores like Home Depot or Lowes. If necessary, use a large tower and wrap the pipe so it is completely covered.
Q: Are there other ways to keep the water in your pipes from freezing?
A: If the temperatures are not too extreme, you can allow the cold water from your sinks to trickle so the water entering and moving through the house is not allowed to stop. But only allow a very slow drip so as to not waste water.
Q: Do I have to insulate the box where the water meter is located?
A: No, the meter box and the meter are the property of the city of Phoenix, and because they are covered, they will not freeze.
Q: Will the water in my irrigation system piping, made of PVC, Poly or Vinyl, freeze?
A: Yes, water can freeze in irrigation pipe, and depending upon the pipe type, they can break as well. The best prevention is to sufficiently bury irrigation system piping or wrap with insulation.
Q: Should I make sure the irrigation system valves are covered as well, or inside a protective box?
A: Yes, all irrigation and household plumbing outside your home should be insulated.
Q: How do I insulate the backflow preventer attached to my water service at the house?
A: You can insulate it with rubber or foam insulation, or for a short-term solution, you can cover it with a thick blanket and secure it.
Q: Do I have to insulate my garden hose that is hooked up to an outdoor hose bib?
A: You can remove, drain, and store your garden hose in a warmer environment, like your garage, until the weather warms up again.
Q: Will the water pipes in my garage, that are hooked up to my water heater, freeze?
A: With the exception of the garage door, most of the other sides of a garage are insulated, and thus your pipes should be protected. However, be sure that your garage door is closed to prevent the colder air from entering.
Q: What if I am unsure if there is sufficient insulation in the walls surrounding the water pipes in my home.
A: You can open cabinet doors and let the warmer air inside the house circulate under sinks and other locations where pipes are so they stay above the freezing temperatures just outside your home.
Q: What do I do if I have a water pipe burst or break as a result of freezing temperatures?
A: Turn off your water service using the valve near the location where it enters your home. If the valve does not work or is broken, contact the city to have the service turned off at the meter. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TURN OFF THE WATER AT THE METER YOURSELF. Call the city at 602-261-8000 if you have an emergency water line issue.
Q: Does the city of Phoenix routinely clean its sewers?
A: Yes. The city of Phoenix is very proactive in maintaining obstruction free sewer lines throughout our more than 5,000 miles of sewer lines. Our preventive maintenance program reduces the potential for sewer overflows and backups that can cause serious damage and cost many dollars to repair.
Q: How many of the more than 5,000 miles does the city clean every year?
A: About 25 to 30 percent, or more than 1,200 miles of the city’s sewer lines, are cleaned each year.
Q: How do you know which section of the sewer line to clean?
A: Before sewer lines are cleaned, a sewer TV crew goes out and inspects sewer lines with a remote camera to look for obstructions and evaluates the integrity of the line. Based on their evaluation, a cleaning crew may be called to remove obstructions or perform basic cleaning.
Q: What is the biggest problem with sewer lines which requires them to be cleaned?
A: The biggest problem is coagulated grease and cooking oil. This occurs because sewer customers’ pour warm cooking oil or grease down their drains because they think it is a fluid that will travel through the sewer system without issue. However, the cooking oil and grease will cool as it enters the sewer line and it will coagulate, causing a blockage, in much the same way cholesterol blocks arteries in humans.
Q: What should a person do with the grease or cooking oil if they can’t dispose of it down the drain?
A: Allow the grease or cooking oil to cool in the cookware that was used, and then scrape it into the trash can.
Q: What happens if the grease caused obstruction isn’t removed from the sewer line?
A: If an obstruction of any kind is allowed to continue, then a sewer overflow or backup will occur, causing damage to homes and businesses, as well as significant expenditures.
Q: What other types of obstructions are there in the city’s sewer lines?
A: The second biggest problem is roots from trees and invasive shrubs, such as oleanders. Because the roots of plants naturally seek out water sources, the roots can find their way through the pipe joints or other openings and form a root ball once inside the pipe, creating an obstruction.
Q: How are sewer lines cleaned?
A: There are several methods. One method is to use what is known as a jet hydro-vac truck, which essentially is a pressure washer with a large vacuum that can be inserted through a sewer manhole to dislodge and remove excess sewage and some easily accessible obstructions. Another method is a rotating saw that can remove the roots inside the pipe where they enter.
Q: Are sewer manholes the only way to access a sewer?
A: Manholes are the primary method of accessing sewer lines. However, another method of accessing sewer lines is through a city owned cleanout typically found at the beginning of a sewer line within the public right of way or dedicated easement. Residential homes and businesses also are built with cleanouts as well. However, these cleanouts are generally located on private property and fall outside the jurisdiction of city staff.
Q: Are manholes always located in the street?
A: Manholes are not always located in the street or other public right-of-way. Sometimes manholes are located in former alleyways, but because of a change in the property line, those manholes may be located on the physical property of a home, such as in someone’s backyard but, within a dedicated easement.
Q: How does the city access manholes that are in someone’s backyard?
A: City employees will only access city sewer infrastructure after permission has been granted by the home owner. The only exception to this practice would be in the case of an extreme emergency where staff could not communicate with the homeowner. In these cases, law enforcement or a neighbor would be notified of the urgent need and to witness the entry and actions.
Q: How can a home owner help to prevent root obstructions in the sewer line?
A: Strategic landscaping is the key. Care should be taken to not plant a tree or large shrub too near your property line, over or near the sewer line or cleanout for your home, or close enough to your home where the foundation can be invaded by the roots.
Q: Does the city perform inspections of sewer lines for homes and businesses?
A: No, we are only responsible for city owned infrastructure which are portions of the system that reside in dedicated right of ways and or utility easements. Everything from the connection to that system or point, back to the house or business is responsibility of the home or business owner. A plumber should be contacted for home plumbing inspections.
Q: Who should I call if I believe the city sewer is causing an overflow situation?
Please call the City of Phoenix Water Services Department at 602-262-6691, during normal business hours (Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., except holidays), or call 602-261-8000, after normal hours or on weekends.
Visit the Draining and Backwashing Pools webpage for details, but you can also download the reference document below.
Download the Properly drain and backwash your pool document.
Water Resources and Conservation FAQs
We all have a responsibility to conserve our natural resources. The water we all share in Phoenix keeps our city, families and businesses thriving. With a little extra effort, water conservation can become a "Phoenix way of life." Efficient water use yields many benefits including time, money and energy savings.
Learning how to save water in your home and business is easy. The City has put easy-to-follow resources at your fingertips for outdoor and indoor savings
Yes. We are currently in a Stage 1 Drought Alert.
Below are some frequestly asked questions about the drought.
Q: What is a Stage 1 Water Alert?
A: A Stage 1 Water Alert is when an insufficient water supply appears likely due to the water system or supply limitations or structural failure or when a catastrophic incident threatens the existing water supply or water delivery system. Due to Lake Mead's and Lake Powell's water levels dropping to historic lows, the City of Phoenix Water Dept. director determined it was an appropriate time to declare a Stage 1 Water Alert.
Q: What does that mean for customers?
A: We all share the responsibility of making wise choices when it comes to water use. Stay informed. The declaration of a Stage 1 Water Alert triggers an intensive public education and information program to help customers understand the need for voluntary water conservation. City staff will also direct more resources to enforce all existing City codes that impact water use and waste. Voluntary conservation and more efficient use of water are key initiatives.
Q: Why now?
A: Dams on the Colorado River form Lake Powell and Lake Mead and generate electricity for millions of people. Due to drought and climate change, the river's flow is diminishing, and the projections show conditions will worsen significantly. If the lakes drop below a certain level, the hydroelectric dams cannot produce power. Making simple changes to conserve water help prepare the City for a sustainable future.
Q: What would make the city move from Stage 1 to Stage 2?
A: The City has been planning for drought and water shortages on the Colorado River for several decades. In preparation for severe drought, water is stored and preserved for a later date. The City hasn’t had to utilize those reserves. If the City starts using water reserves, that may require a Stage 2 Water Alert.
Q: Can the Stage 1 Water Alert be canceled?
A: The City is working closely with regional partners to prepare a long-term plan. The Phoenix Water Services director may terminate the Stage 1 Water Alert when the director determines that the conditions on which the Stage 1 Water Alert was declared no longer exist.
Q: What is the City of Phoenix doing to conserve water?
A: The City of Phoenix is working to identify and reduce water waste, reviewing its water use and reducing consumption where possible. at includes modifying buildings and landscaping to be more water efficient.
Q: What has the City been doing to prepare?
A: Investments in infrastructure, strategic and innovative planning on behalf of City leaders, and long-standing water conservation programs are just some of the reasons why Phoenix will continue to have a reliable water supply. Additionally, the City is building the Drought Pipeline Project to provide water from the Salt and Verde rivers to areas of North Phoenix that currently rely on Colorado River water.
Q: What can I do to prepare?
A: Conserve water whenever possible. Chose Xeriscape around your home by planting desert adaptive plants. Find and fix leaks inside and outside your home. Know your water usage. You can track your water usage by using our Water Usage Calculator. ere are many resources to help residents and businesses use water responsibly. Look for ways to save water. Small changes can make a big difference. As part of the extensive Stage 1 Water Alert communication effort, expect to see more messaging about water conservation. A united effort will help preserve the precious water supply.
Q: Will my water bill increase?
A: At this time, Phoenix Water is not raising rates. However, the department must maintain the financial viability of the utility to ensure safe, clean, and reliable delivery of water and wastewater services. erefore, the City continuously evaluates the utilities' long-term financial plan. As a result, water rates may change depending on the utility's need.
Q: What alternative sources of water is the City of Phoenix exploring?
A: The City of Phoenix is currently exploring direct potable reuse (DPR). DPR is when recycled water goes through a highly treated process to be delivered directly to the public. e big difference between DPR and indirect potable reuse, such as groundwater recharge, is that DPR has little to no environmental buffer. The City is working closely with the State of Arizona to ensure Phoenix Water continues to meet and exceed drinking water regulations
For more information, visit Phoenix.gov/drought.
How much water a lawn needs varies from house to house and season to season. Factors that affect how much water should be used on grass include; the efficiency of the irrigation system, the type of soil at your home and the type of grass in your yard. We offer a wealth of information to assist with landscape watering. Phoenix offers a free guide, "Landscape Watering by the Numbers" which has information about proper watering. An online version is available at Water - Use It Wisely.
To save water, pool draining should be infrequent (every five years plus years). Keeping chemicals in balance helps you avoid wasteful dumping of water. However, when you must drain a pool follow City guidelines by discharging water into sewer cleanouts. There are also new technologies that will clean calcium and other contaminants from the water and recycle the water back into the pool. Information about these services is available at pool supply stores (contact a Valley pool professional for safe draining strategies).
Municipal parks, golf courses and open spaces provide Phoenix residents and visitors with opportunities for fun and recreation. State-of-the-art monitoring systems are being used, when possible, to ensure a high level of efficiency in irrigation watering.
Take advantage of neighborhood parks and open spaces as an opportunity to replace the maintenance of grass in your own home or business. You'll have more time for friends, family and visitors!
Visit the main Water Conservation and Resources page to learn more about our programs and additional information.
If you witness a water leak or water waste you can report it through our 24/7 leak reporting site. If you have a water emergency that you need to report, you can also call us at our 24/7 number 602-261-8000.
Water Quality FAQs
If you have immediate questions or concerns about your water quality, call 602-262-6251 Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you have general questions, you can email us at WSDCompliance@phoenix.gov. Also, visit our Water Quality website to learn more about the
Where can I find the most recent water quality report?
Visit our Water Quality report webpage to view the most current report and reports from past years.
About 98% of Phoenix’s water supply is surface water; primarily snow melt that travels down the Salt, Verde and Colorado Rivers, then to canals that lead to Phoenix’s water treatment plants. Very little well water is utilized. Detailed information about the quality of Phoenix’s tap water is available online in the most recent water quality report.
Below are some specific questions and answers about Phoenix's water quality.
Q: Is Phoenix’s tap water safe?
A: Phoenix water meets or surpasses all federal and state requirements for health and safety. More than five million tests and measurements are performed each year at the water treatment plants and throughout the distribution systems. Phoenix’s state of the art equipment and laboratories are used to test for more than 100 substances. Be assured that if water quality is ever an issue in Phoenix, customers will be notified.
Q: What does Phoenix use to disinfect the water that reaches my tap?
A: Phoenix’s entire water supply is safely disinfected with chlorine before being delivered to consumers. Chlorine disinfection is one of the most widely used methods to safeguard drinking water. Federal law requires a minimum chlorine disinfectant level of 0.2 parts per million in the water leaving a water treatment plant and a maximum chlorine level of 4.0 parts per million in the distribution system. Phoenix adds about one part per million to ensure our water’s safety throughout the distribution system. We also incorporate some of the most advanced water treatment processes available to ensure your water is safe to drink.
Q: Who makes sure Phoenix water meets standards?
A: Tap water is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the nation. Phoenix treats its drinking water to levels better than federal and state standards with regulatory oversight by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department. From time to time various groups develop desired standards for drinking water that differ from those established by the EPA. While these theoretical standards may start with good intentions, comparing Phoenix’s test results which are in full compliance with EPA standards, to artificial standards, can create confusing, incomplete, and many times extremely misleading information that is unfair to our customers and the city. Be assured that Phoenix complies with current EPA requirements, works with water associations to remain up to date on water quality standards and is committed to protecting public health and safety.
Q: Does the taste, odor and hardness in Phoenix’s water affect its safety?
A: No. These are harmless, aesthetic aspects that some consumers may notice. Taste, odor and hardness are not regulated under drinking water and health standards. Taste or odor variations are often seasonal (stronger near the fall of the year) due to increased algae in the canals that transport surface water to Phoenix’s treatment plants. The algae are removed during the treatment process, although the scent may remain. The chlorine used in our treatment process and maintained throughout the distribution system to disinfect your water also can affect the taste and odor. The presence of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which originate from the soils our source water contacts as it travels to Phoenix’s water treatment plants, contribute to hardness. Phoenix understands that perceptions vary regarding taste and odor. The city continues to enhance the aesthetics of our tap water, even though the quality is extremely high, by using carbon during treatment (much like that in a refrigerator filter), highly advanced water monitoring and sampling techniques and blending of Central Arizona Project and Salt River Project (SRP) water. SRP also brushes its canals to help diminish taste and odor causing algae. It is important to note that private plumbing lines in your home or business and the use of filtration systems may affect these aesthetics significantly. Proper maintenance of them is crucial, not only for aesthetics, but for your health. To help with taste and odor, allow water to sit for a few minutes or add lemon or lime. For more information on taste, odor and hardness, please refer to Tap Water Taste, Odor & Harness FAQs below on this page.
Q: Should I drink Phoenix’s water if I have an immune system disorder?
A: Although the city treats our water to meet or surpass all drinking water standards, some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- compromised persons such as those undergoing chemotherapy, people who have undergone organ transplants, those with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly people and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA and Centers for Disease Control guidelines about appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.
Q: Do I need to use water filters at home?
A: Since Phoenix water meets or surpasses standards, water filters are typically not necessary unless advised by your physician or desired as a personal choice. If you choose to use filters on your tap, refrigerator, etc., be sure to change filters according to manufacturer’s instructions. More information about home treatment systems is available from the National Water Quality Association.
Q: Where can I get more information about water?
A: Detailed information about the quality of Phoenix’s water is available online at phoenix.gov/water. You also may call the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline for information about the Safe Drinking Water Act or EPA’s other drinking water programs at 800-426-4791.
Additional Websites that provide information about drinking water include:
American Water Works Association
Arizona Department of Health Services
Maricopa County Environmental Services Department
Taste or odor variations are often seasonal (stronger near the fall months) due to increased algae in the canals that transport surface water to Phoenix’s treatment plants. About 98% of Phoenix’s water supply is surface water; primarily snow melt that travels down the Salt, Verde and Colorado Rivers, then to canals that lead to Phoenix’s water treatment plants.
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding season taste and odor issues.
Q: Why does my tap water have an unusual taste or odor?
A: This is the result of a byproduct of seasonal algae in surface water called Geosmin and Methylisoborneol (MIB), which are non-harmful, naturally-occurring compounds associated with algae growth in lakes and canals. These are harmless, aesthetic aspects that some residents may notice. Taste, odor and hardness are not regulated under drinking water and health standards. The canal algae are removed during the treatment process, although the scent may remain. The chlorine used in our treatment process to disinfect your water also can affect the taste and odor.
Q: Does the taste or odor mean my water is unsafe?
A: Phoenix tap water meets or surpasses all regulatory requirements for health and safety. Over five million tests and measurements are performed each year throughout the treatment and distribution systems and analyzed using state of the art equipment and laboratories. Phoenix also submits hundreds of reports each year to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department. Be assured that if water quality is ever an issue in Phoenix, customers will be notified.
Q: What is Phoenix doing to help improve the taste of our water?
A: The city continues to enhance the aesthetics of our tap water, even though the quality is extremely high, by using carbon during treatment (much like that in a refrigerator filter). The Salt River Project (SRP) also brushes its canals to help diminish taste and odor causing algae.
Q: Do I need to use water filters at home?
A: Since Phoenix water meets or surpasses standards, water filters are typically not necessary unless advised by your physician or as desired for aesthetic reasons. If you choose to use filters on your tap, refrigerator, etc., be sure to change filters according to manufacturer’s instructions. More information about home treatment systems is available from the National Water Quality Association.
Q: Where can I get more information about water?
A: Detailed information about the quality of Phoenix’s water is available online at phoenix.gov/water, where you’ll find a copy of our annual Water Quality Report.
You also may call the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline for information about the Safe Drinking Water Act or EPA’s other drinking water programs at 800-426-4791
Q: Is Phoenix tap water safe to drink?
A: Yes. The city of Phoenix works 24/7, 365 days of the year to provide high quality tap water to our customers. Phoenix tap water meets or surpasses all federal and state requirements for health and safety.
Q: How does the city test the water?
A: More than five million tests and measurements are performed each year in Phoenix’s water treatment and distribution systems. That means every day the city performs thousands of tests using state of the art equipment and laboratories to test for more than 100 substances. Be assured that if water quality is ever an issue in Phoenix, customers will be notified.
Q: What is Chromium-6 and how does it get into water supplies?
A: Chromium is an element of our earth and is found naturally in rocks, plants, soil and volcanic dust. According to the American Water Works Association, chromium is the 21st most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, and the major source of hexavalent chromium (known as ‘chromium-6’) in drinking water is from naturally occurring chromium present in volcanic geologic formations. It can also be discharged from industries including facilities making steel and other alloys, chrome-plating, dyes and pigments, leather-tanning and wood preservation.
Q: Does Phoenix monitor and test for chromium-6 in its water supply?
A: Yes. Phoenix Water monitors for total chromium as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Total chromium includes chromium-6 and all tests for total chromium have been within standards. Currently, the EPA, which creates standards for tap water, does not have a separate standard for chromium-6; however Phoenix Water has tested for chromium-6 through the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR).
Q: What is the difference between total chromium and chromium-6?
A: Total chromium includes chromium-6 and chromium-3. Both are covered under the total chromium drinking water standard because these forms of chromium can convert back and forth in water and in the human body, depending on environmental conditions. Chromium-3 is a required nutrient and has very low toxicity. Chromium-6 is more toxic and has been known to cause cancer when inhaled. In order to ensure that the greatest potential risk is addressed, EPA's regulation assumes that a measurement of total chromium is 100 percent chromium-6, the more toxic form.
Q: Does Phoenix meet the total chromium standard set forth by the EPA?
A: Phoenix Water’s total chromium levels are well below the EPA standard of 100 parts per billion. The highest level detected in the Phoenix Water distribution system was 1.7 parts per billion.
Q: Does Phoenix water meet California’s maximum contaminant level for chromium-6?
A: Phoenix Water’s chromium-6 levels measured in the water lines leading to your tap are well below California’s maximum contaminant level of 10 parts per billion. The highest level of chromium-6 detected in the Phoenix Water distribution system during UCMR was 1.6 parts per billion.
Q: What health effects are there from chromium-6?
A: The EPA and medical experts are evaluating the health effects of chromium-6. Research is being performed to determine exactly at what level chromium-6 may be dangerous; an acceptable level of chromium-6 in tap water has not yet been determined. EPA considers various factors in setting water quality standards, including recommendations from the National Science Foundation, an independent group of scientists who review available research and make recommendations to EPA on setting environmental standards. Currently, EPA regulates total chromium based on allergic dermatitis. Research indicates a possible link to stomach cancers.
Q: Where is Chromium-6 normally found in water?
A: Higher chromium 6 levels are typically found in groundwater (well water). On average, only two percent of all Phoenix drinking water comes from groundwater.
Q: Who makes sure Phoenix water meets standards?
A: Tap water is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the nation. Phoenix Water submits hundreds of reports each year to the EPA, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.
Q: Do I need to use water filters at home?
A: Since Phoenix water meets or surpasses standards, water filters are typically not necessary unless advised by your physician or desired as a personal choice. If you choose to use filters be sure to change filters according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Where else can I get information about water?
A: Detailed information about the quality of Phoenix’s water is available in the most recent edition of the water quality report. Residents can also utilize the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline for information about the Safe Drinking Water Act or the EPA’s other drinking water programs at 800-426-4791.
Q: Is my tap water safe?
A: Phoenix water is clean, high quality, and safe to drink. Public health, economic development, and quality of life here in our desert city are contingent upon a reliable and safe tap water supply. More than five million tests and measurements are conducted each year to ensure high quality tap water in Phoenix. Our water is tested for more than 100 substances, and is monitored throughout the year to ensure that it meets the rigorous standards set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, and the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department. Phoenix makes wise investments in the rehabilitation and replacement of aging water infrastructure in support of reliable water deliveries and public health. Phoenix Water is committed to ensuring clean, safe, dependable water supplies now and for generations to come.
Q: What Is lead?
A: Lead is a naturally occurring metal that is all around us. It was used for many years in paints, plumbing, and other products found in and around homes. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that lead can cause health problems if it accumulates in a person's body over time.
Q: How does lead get into tap water?
A: According to the EPA, lead and copper in drinking water is mainly due to the corrosion of service lines and household plumbing materials. Therefore, the purpose of lead and copper regulations is to protect public health by minimizing lead and copper levels in drinking water, primarily by reducing water corrosivity.
Q: Does Phoenix have lead service lines?
A: Phoenix has been supplying water to customers for more than 100 years. While records indicate that lead service lines did exist in Phoenix’s water service territory, it was standard protocol to remove lead service lines any time they were encountered or discovered by Phoenix Water Services employees. The last documented lead service line replacements took place in the early 1990s. If the city were to come across any lead service lines during maintenance and repairs, our protocol still stands to replace them.
Q: Does the City of Phoenix have a corrosion control plan?
A: The City of Phoenix finalized an extensive corrosion control study and used these results to craft a corrosion control protocol that was officially approved by regulators. Phoenix Water Services is careful to maintain an effective corrosion control program per federal lead and copper regulations. Tap water monitoring for lead and copper is used to assess the effectiveness of corrosion control treatment. Per EPA regulations, 90 percent of taps tested from inside consumers’ homes must not exceed a lead concentration of 15 ppb.
Q: How do I know if my home is at risk?
A: In most cases, homes and buildings most likely to have lead service lines are those built before or during the mid-1950s.
The EPA defines higher-risk homes as those with:
- A lead service line connecting the water main under the street to the home’s internal plumbing.
- Copper pipe and lead solder. The EPA states that homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder.
Homes that do not fall within these two categories are at lower risk for lead contamination in the water. In 1986, Congress enacted the “lead ban,” which stated that public water systems, along with drinking water plumbing connected to a public system, must use “lead-free materials.” As a result, homes built after the ban took place are less likely to have lead solder.
Q: Is there a pipe inventory for the City of Phoenix, and if so, can I access it?
A: As required by the Lead and Copper Rule Revision, the City of Phoenix prepared a service line inventory. The purpose of the inventory was to determine if any of our service lines contain lead, galvanized pipe requiring removal, or unknown materials. For more information about the City’s Service Line Inventory and to access the inventory please visit our website at phoenix.gov/pipes or contact us at pipes@phoenix.gov.
Q: How do I test my water for lead?
A: Customers can contact the Arizona Department of Health Services for a list of labs certified to perform lead testing at www.azdhs.gov.
Q: Where can I get more information about my drinking water?
A: Read Phoenix Water's annual water quality reports, which describe the overall quality of water from its raw collection and storage to the treated purity at your tap.
Q: Why do I sometimes notice taste or odor in Phoenix’s water?
A: Taste or odor variations are often seasonal (stronger near the fall of the year) due to increased algae in the canals that transport surface water to Phoenix’s treatment plants. These are harmless, aesthetic aspects that some consumers may notice. Taste, odor and hardness are not regulated under drinking water and health standards. The canal algae are removed during the treatment process, although the scent may remain. The chlorine used in our treatment process and the chlorine residual maintained throughout the distribution system to disinfect your water also can affect the taste and odor.
Q: Does the taste or odor mean my water is unsafe?
A: Phoenix tap water meets or surpasses all regulatory requirements for health and safety. Over five million tests and measurements are performed each year throughout the treatment and distribution systems and analyzed using state of the art equipment and laboratories. Phoenix also submits hundreds of reports each year to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department. Be assured that if water quality is ever an issue in Phoenix, customers will be notified.
Q: How can I improve the taste and odor of my water?
A: It is important to note that private plumbing lines in your home or business and the use of filtration systems may affect these aesthetics significantly. Proper maintenance of them is crucial, not only for aesthetics, but for your health. To improve taste and odor place a slice of lemon in your water, leave a container of water uncapped for 30-60 minutes and place it in the refrigerator, or use a filter on your faucet or refrigerator. Be sure to change filters according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: What is Phoenix doing to help improve the taste of our water?
A: Phoenix understands that perceptions vary regarding taste and odor. The city continues to enhance the aesthetics of our tap water, even though the quality is extremely high, by using carbon during treatment (much like that in a refrigerator filter), highly advanced water monitoring and sampling techniques and blending of Central Arizona Project and Salt River Project water. SRP also brushes its canals to help diminish taste and odor causing algae.
Q: Why is my tap water hard?
A: The presence of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which originate from the soils our source water contacts as it travels to Phoenix’s water treatment plants, contribute to hardness.
Q: Do I need to use water filters or softeners at home to make my water safe?
A: Since Phoenix water meets or surpasses federal, state and local water quality standards, water filters are typically not necessary unless advised by your physician or desired as a personal choice. If you choose to use filters or softeners be sure to follow manufacturers’ maintenance instructions. More information about home treatment systems is available from the National Water Quality Association.
Q: Where can I learn more about the quality of Phoenix’s tap water?
A: Detailed information about the quality of Phoenix’s water is available in our most recent edition of our water quality report. You also may call the Environmental protection agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline for information about the Safe Drinking Water Act or EPA’s other drinking water programs at 800-426-4791.
Web sites that provide information about drinking water include:
American Water Works Association
Arizona Department of Health Services
Maricopa County Environmental Services Department
Background: Gaseous chlorine is the most common and cost effective disinfectant used by approximately 95% of the water industry. Phoenix has used gaseous chlorine for about 50 years.
Q: How does Phoenix maintain its history of safe chlorine use?
A: Numerous chlorine-related safety precautions are in place to protect customers, even though Phoenix has never had a chlorine accident that has affected the public. There are extremely strict delivery and transfer procedures used to ensure the safety of the public and employees. Phoenix water employees have been trained in the safe handling of liquid and gaseous chlorine. Quarterly chlorine safety drills are conducted for each facility.
Q: What are the specific safety procedures used to protect customers?
A: Phoenix has specific on-site and remote monitoring procedures in place that are confidential to protect our customers. The elements common to the confidential procedures include using the smallest practical container size for transporting chlorine, using strict chain of custody delivery procedures and using highly sensitive mechanical devices to help prevent an accidental chlorine release. Emergency planning and response procedures are coordinated with the Arizona State Emergency Response Commission, Local Emergency Planning Committee, and with fire departments within jurisdiction.
Q: Can anything other than chlorine be used to disinfect the water supply?
A: Phoenix has evaluated alternates to gaseous chlorine for disinfection, but none of the existing technologies has been proven to be as effective as gaseous chlorine. We will continue to be open to possible alternatives to chlorine.
Q: How much chlorine is in the Phoenix’s water?
A: Phoenix works hard to maintain a chlorine residual around 1.0 part per million in the water leaving a water treatment plant and throughout the distribution system. Federal law requires a minimum chlorine disinfectant level of 0.2 parts per million in the water leaving a water treatment plant and a maximum chlorine disinfectant level of 4 parts per million in the distribution system.
Q: Who says Phoenix is working safely with chlorine?
A: All chemical facilities have undergone a recent, extremely successful review for compliance with all codes and regulations. Federal, State, County and local entities, as well as the Chlorine Institute (which establishes chlorine practices pertaining to handling, transportation and safety measures) enthusiastically support our practices. The Phoenix Fire Department has adopted the Chlorine Institute recommendations and federal regulations as written in the International Fire Code for the safe handling and storage of chlorine containers. All our facilities are inspected annually for compliance and the Phoenix Fire Department participates in the quarterly drills and evacuations. EPA and Homeland Security have reviewed all of our facilities for safety and compliance and found them to meet and exceed required safety standards.
Background: Cloudy water is usually caused by microscopic air bubbles trapped in the water.Discoloration may be from aging pipes in your home or business, especially if it occurs upon first use in the morning. Discoloration or sediment may also be seen after a water leak repair or a fire hydrant has been flushed in the area near your home or business.
Q: What are the possible reasons my tap water may be cloudy or discolored?
A: There are several reasons your tap water may be temporarily cloudy or discolored. It may be caused by microscopic air bubbles in the water. This is a natural phenomenon, caused by dissolved air in the water that is released when the faucet is opened. If air is the reason, the water usually clears within a few minutes if allowed to stand. Discoloration may be from aging pipes in your home or business, especially if it occurs upon first use in the morning Cloudy or discolored water also may be caused by changes in the flow of the city’s water lines. If water crews have recently been working in your area or fire hydrants have been opened, you may notice cloudy or discolored water. The city’s lines are likely to be the cause if such changes occur suddenly. Visible particles are generally an accumulation of iron or minerals that were stirred up. The water may not be aesthetically pleasing, but it is safe to drink because disinfectant remains in tap water. If the city’s pipes are the cause, the city checks disinfection levels to ensure that the water is safe, and may flush water from area fire hydrants to purge the system of the cloudy or discolored water. It may take several hours to clear the water.
Q: How will I know if I should not drink my tap water?
A: If drinking tap water is not advisable, Phoenix representatives will visit your home or business address. On a large scale, the media will be notified and information will be placed on phoenix.gov. Phoenix’s ability to shut-down affected water lines and re-route service to you, along with high-tech treatment at plants, makes those possibilities extremely unlikely. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk because cloudiness can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth, as well as indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches. These individuals should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
Q: Can I use cloudy or discolored water around the house?
A: It generally can be used for drinking, showering, flushing toilets, cleaning floors, and the like. When the water is discolored, it is recommended to either not wash laundry or to use a rust stain remover or regular detergent but not chlorine bleach as it will react with the iron to form a permanent stain.
For immediate concerns, please call Water Services Customer Services @ 602-262-6251(M - F, 8:00 am to 5 pm); or 602-261-8000 (weekends, holidays and M - F after 5 pm).
BACKGROUND: There is a growing awareness of the presence in the environment of a class of contaminants called pharmaceutically active compounds and personal care products. They comprise thousands of chemical substances, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, cleaning products, fragrances, cosmetics, sunscreen agents and many others that are excreted from our bodies or flushed down toilets. Studies are underway to determine if there is any risk to humans from such products that might occur in our water in extremely small amounts.
Q: Does Phoenix tap water contain pharmaceuticals?
A: In 2008, tests performed by an independent, certified lab detected no pharmaceuticals in Phoenix tap water. Modern technology can test for an amount equal to one-twentieth of a drop of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. These tests detected no pharmaceuticals in Phoenix water, even at that miniscule level. The city performs over five million tests and measurements each year to comply with regulatory requirements in one of the nation's most highly regulated industries. Under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) (2013 – 2015), the EPA required monitoring for 7 hormones including naturally occurring hormones that may also be present in pharmaceuticals and personal care products. City of Phoenix sample results indicate no detectable levels of these hormones in the water. Even if a substance becomes detectable in drinking water due to advance testing capabilities, it does not mean the substance is harmful to humans. Research has not demonstrated an impact on human health from extremely minute amounts of these substances in water or wastewater. People regularly consume or expose themselves to products containing these substances in much higher concentrations through medicines, foods, beverages and other sources. The level in which they are found in source waters is very small in comparison. For general information on UCMR 3, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791, or visit their website.
Q: Are pharmaceuticals in Phoenix’s wastewater?
A: Phoenix tested its drinking water but not its wastewater. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products have been reported in wastewater effluents around the nation. News stories have mentioned that extremely minute traces of pharmaceuticals and personal care products have been found in fish in river water that may have come from wastewater treatment plants. (A U.S. Geological Survey report issued in 2002 identified low levels of organic wastewater compounds in effluent downstream of the 91st Avenue WWTP and in many other locations throughout the U.S.) Aquatic life is much more susceptible to such compounds than humans. As analytical methods improve, many compounds are being found at extremely low levels, typically single-digit parts per trillion. Drinking water standards are typically set in the parts per billion range, which is 1,000 times higher. More research is needed to determine if there is a correlation between the effects of pharmaceuticals on fish versus humans.
Q: Does the treated wastewater discharged from Phoenix wastewater plants end up in Phoenix water treatment plants or groundwater?
A: The treated wastewater, also known as effluent, is discharged for either inedible crops, irrigation, to replenish natural habitats such as the Tres Rios Environmental Wetlands, or as cooling water for the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. Some of the water discharged to the Salt River from Phoenix’s two wastewater treatment plants may percolate into the groundwater. However, there are few, if any, potable water supply wells that would intercept the percolated water. Phoenix uses very little groundwater for its tap water supply. Over 90% of Phoenix’s tap water supply is from precipitation up north that becomes surface water.
Q: Where do pharmaceuticals in wastewater come from?
A: They are mostly excreted from our bodies or the bodies of animals after ingesting drugs. The federal Office of National Drug Control Policy recommends not flushing prescription drugs down the toilet unless the accompanying patient information specifically instructs that it is safe.
Q: Does the city’s water and wastewater treatment processes remove pharmaceuticals?
A: The city’s current water and wastewater treatment processes were not designed specifically to remove pharmaceuticals and personal care products. They may reduce some, but not all of these chemicals.
Q: Will the City of Phoenix test further for pharmaceuticals?
A: The city of Phoenix tests for all regulated drinking water contaminants, unregulated drinking water contaminants that EPA is investigating for future regulation, and numerous compounds that impact the drinking water treatment process and the aesthetic qualities of the water. Pharmaceutical compounds are currently not regulated. But, Phoenix is an active partner through financial support and in-kind services with industry research organizations seeking more information about the testing and treating of water for pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals in water are an emerging issue undergoing much study and discussion by the EPA, US Geological Survey, State of Arizona, the Water Research Foundation (formerly the American Water Works Page 2 of 3 Association Research Foundation) and universities. The water community is committed to protecting public health.
Q: Why aren’t these products regulated?
A: This is an emerging issue undergoing much study due to evolving analytical methods that are allowing us to find extremely small, previously undetectable levels of compounds throughout the country. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains an active program called the Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) to identify contaminants in public drinking water that warrant detailed study. While the CCL does not currently include any pharmaceuticals and personal care products, EPA will likely consider these compounds in the future.
Q: Does the City of Phoenix add fluoride to the tap water supply?
A: Yes. In June 1990, the addition of fluoride to the City’s water treatment process was approved by the City Council and Mayor. This decision was based on public input, recommendations from numerous federal, state and local public health officials including the Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and decades of research supporting fluoridation as a safe and effective method for reducing the number of dental cavities.
Q: Why is fluoride added to our tap water supply?
A: Fluoride is a naturally occurring element in the source water for the City of Phoenix, with natural source water fluoride levels at about 0.3 parts per million. Phoenix adds fluoride in the treatment process to raise the level to 0.7 parts per million, the optimal level recommended for all water systems by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to achieve dental benefits. That 0.7 equals about two drops in a 55-gallon barrel. Fluoride is used in public water systems and in many products associated with oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay.
Q: Is fluoride in the water supply regulated?
A: Fluoride is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act by the EPA for Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). The City of Phoenix performs routine monitoring for fluoride and many other compounds in the water supply. This data is reported on an annual basis in the Water Quality Report which is distributed to water customers and is available online. While the levels of fluoride within the water distribution system can fluctuate due to a variety of factors including the influence of groundwater which can contain naturally occurring fluoride, the amount of fluoride delivered by Phoenix is well below both the current EPA’s enforceable MCL and non-enforceable secondary standards for fluoride of 4.0 and 2.0 mg/L. If the EPA determines it is necessary to revise the regulations regarding fluoride, Phoenix will comply with those updated regulations, as it has in the past.
Q: Is adding fluoride to the water supply safe?
A: Since 1950, the American Dental Association (ADA) has strongly endorsed the fluoridation of community water supplies as safe, effective and necessary in preventing tooth decay. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Office of Oral Health also strongly promotes and supports the addition of fluoride to drinking water as a decay prevention additive. The 0.7 parts per million of fluoride Phoenix delivers to customers in its tap water is nowhere close to the 4.0 Maximum Contaminant Level established by the EPA. Some people who drink water containing fluoride in excess of 4 parts per million over many years could get bone disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones. Fluoride in drinking water at 2 parts per million or more may cause mottling of children’s teeth, usually in children less than nine years old. Mottling, also known as dental fluorosis, may include brown staining and/or pitting of the teeth, and occurs only in developing teeth before they erupt from the gums.
Q: Do other cities fluoridate their tap water?
A: Yes. According to the 2022 National Water Fluoridation Statistics, 72.3% of the U.S. population served by a public water system receives fluoridated water. In Arizona, 57.5% of those served by a public water system are receiving fluoridated water. According to ADHS, seven cities in the state add fluoride: Chandler, El Mirage, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, and Tempe. Several other communities statewide have optimal, naturally occurring levels of fluoride and need no additional fluoridation.
Q: What is the cost of fluoridating Phoenix’s tap water?
A: The total annual cost of fluoridating the City of Phoenix drinking water is approximately $179,000. The City estimates the annual cost to ratepayers associated with fluoridation is $0.43 cents per customer account. According to the CDC, communities with fluoridated water save an average of $32 per person a year by avoiding treatment for cavities.
Q: Where can I find additional information about fluoride?
A: To review City of Phoenix fluoride levels, please read the current Water Quality Report. For additional information about community water fluoridation, call your dentist or visit the AZDHS Office of Oral Health.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention FAQs
Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain water flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces such as roads, sidewalks and streets don't allow rain water to be soaked into the ground. All the excess rain water which does not soak into the ground becomes stormwater runoff which discharges directly to rivers, washes and retention basins.
As stormwater flows over impervious surfaces, it picks up and carries pollutants (such as oils, chemicals, pet waste, etc.) to the storm sewer system and ultimately our rivers, washes and retention basins.
Some common pollutants which may be present in stormwater are sediment, oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients, metals, bacteria, and garbage.
You can help prevent stormwater pollution by using Best Management Practices (BMPs) and good housekeeping measures. For example, using drip pans to collect leaks from vehicles, use the sanitary cleanout for disposing of pool water, pick up pet waste from yard and dispose of properly and properly dispose of household chemicals at your local hazardous waste collection event.
Stormwater runoff does not go to a wastewater treatment plant. The City of Phoenix has two separate sewer systems, a sanitary sewer and storm drain sewer. The sanitary sewer takes wastes from toilets and sinks and delivers it to a wastewater treatment plant before discharging into the Salt River. The storm drain sewer takes all the stormwater runoff and goes untreated to rivers, washes and retention basins.
If you see someone dumping or illegally discharging to the storm drain, please contact the City of Phoenix Stormwater Hotline at 602-256-3190. The hotline is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week. All calls are anonymous. Please provide at a minimum where the location of the dumping/discharge occurred, date/time and any other additional information pertinent for the inspectors to follow-up with.
Under City Code Chapter 32C, pool water is not allowed to be discharged to the storm drains. Pool water should be discharged to your sanitary sewer cleanout or irrigation for plants. Please read or download this guide to learn more. You can also visit the webpage How to Drain and Backwash Your Pool Legally for further information.
Do not dump any chemicals down the storm drains. You can dispose of your household chemicals at local hazardous waste pick-up locations. Please refer to the City's household hazardous waste page for date and location.
Your business can help prevent stormwater pollution by using Best Management Practices (BMPs) and good housekeeping measures. For example, sweeping, using covered storage areas for chemicals and materials and properly cleaning up and disposing of spilled materials.
Businesses (which are deemed to have "potential to pollute") and certain construction projects (one-acre or more area of land disturbed) are required under City of Phoenix Code Chapter 32C to have and implement a Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP).
Facility Tours
Tour requests of our water or wastewater facilities are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and are limited in size and frequency. To make a request, contact us at: watersmart@phoenix.gov.
Visiting the public area of the Tres Rios Wetlands can be done without staff, but you will need a permit ahead of time. Visit the Tres Rios Wetlands website to lean more.