Water Contaminants

Common Contaminants in Arizona’s Water

Based on the EPA’s findings and various Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) from cities across Arizona, here are some common contaminants found in the state’s water supply:

Microbial Contaminants:

Viruses and Bacteria: Often from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

Inorganic Contaminants:

Salts and Metals: Can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Lead and Copper: Typically, from corrosion of household plumbing systems.

Pesticides and Herbicides:

Agricultural Runoff: Includes chemicals used in farming, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

Organic Chemical Contaminants:

Synthetic and Volatile Organic Chemicals: Byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, also from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

Radioactive Contaminants:

Naturally Occurring and Industrial: Can be naturally occurring or result from oil and gas production and mining activities.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS):

PFAS: Synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of consumer products and industrial applications.

Water quality testing results can vary widely due to geographical differences, seasonal changes, water sources, human activities, water treatment processes, sampling methods, environmental factors, and home-specific variables such as plumbing materials, household water usage, and maintenance practices.

Therefore, it is crucial to have your home’s water tested individually, as its quality may differ significantly from the city’s water report.

EPA Testing Standards & Health Guidelines

The EPA sets legally enforceable standards for drinking water contaminants, known as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), which are designed to protect public health while considering the feasibility of achieving these levels with current technology and economic constraints.

However, these MCLs often exceed the stricter health guidelines recommended by other organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

As a result, even when water systems comply with EPA standards, the levels of certain contaminants can still pose health risks. This means that contaminants like lead, arsenic, and disinfection byproducts, even when present at levels below the EPA’s MCLs, can still contribute to health issues such as gastrointestinal illnesses, neurological disorders, and increased cancer risk.

Therefore, it’s important for consumers to be aware of these potential risks and take additional precautions, such as using water filters and staying informed about their local water quality.

Why does the EPA have standards that aren’t a violation yet can exceed Health Guidelines?

The EPA sets legally enforceable standards for drinking water contaminants known as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) under the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs). These standards are designed to protect public health by limiting the levels of contaminants in drinking water.

The EPA not only sets these standards but also enforces them, determining what constitutes a “safe” level of contaminants.

However, it’s important to note that these MCLs are often higher than the levels recommended by other health organizations and guidelines. This discrepancy can occur for several reasons:

Balancing Health and Feasibility: The EPA considers both health risks and the feasibility of achieving certain contaminant levels with current technology and economic constraints. This means that while lower levels might be ideal for health, they may not be practical or affordable for all water systems to achieve.

Health-Based Goals: The EPA also sets Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable public health goals set at levels where no known or anticipated adverse health effects occur. These goals are often lower than the MCLs because they do not take into account the limitations of detection and treatment technologies.

Comparative Standards: Other health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Working Group (EWG), may set stricter guidelines based solely on health considerations without factoring in the feasibility of implementation. These guidelines can be more stringent than the EPA’s MCLs.

Evolving Science: As scientific understanding of contaminants and their health effects evolves, some organizations may update their guidelines more frequently than the EPA, leading to differences in recommended levels.

In summary, while the EPA’s standards aim to protect public health within practical and economic limits, other health guidelines may recommend lower contaminant levels based purely on health considerations, leading to the observed differences. This means that even when water systems comply with EPA standards, the levels of certain contaminants can still pose health risks.

Specific Findings from Various Cities

Apache Junction: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Arsenic, Barium, Selenium, Alpha Particles, Chlorite, Haloacetic Acids, Trihalomethanes.

Buckeye: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Trihalomethanes, Arsenic, Chromium, Barium, Fluoride, Nitrate, Radium.

Chandler: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Lead, Alpha Emitters, Uranium, Arsenic, Barium, Chromium, Fluoride, Nitrate, Nitrite, Selenium, E. Coli, Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids, Bromate, Lithium, PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS.

Flagstaff: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Arsenic, Barium, Chlorine Dioxide, Chromium, Radium, Fluoride, Gross Alpha Emitters, Haloacetic Acids, Nitrate, Trihalomethanes, Uranium, Lead.

Humboldt: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Asbestos, Fluoride, Lead, Nitrate, Haloacetic Acids, Trihalomethanes.

Kingman/Majestic: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Coliform Bacteria, Arsenic, Barium, Fluoride, Dichloromethane.

Lake Havasu: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Haloacetic Acids, Trihalomethanes, Lead, Uranium, Arsenic, Fluoride, Barium, Nitrate, Selenium.

Mesa: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Coliform Bacteria, Chlorine Dioxide, Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids, Bromate, Chlorite, Lead, Gross Alpha Emitters, Radium, Arsenic, Barium, Chromium, Fluoride, Nitrate, Selenium, Di bromochloropropane, Di(2-Ethylhexyl)Phthalate, Tetrachloroethylene, Trichloroethylene.

Phoenix: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Lead, Lithium, PFBA, PFBS, Arsenic, Uranium, Alpha Emitters, Chlorine Dioxide, Chlorite, Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids.

Scottsdale: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Aluminum, Chloride, Sulfate, Manganese, Germanium, Bromide, HAA5, HAA6Br, HAA9, Arsenic, Barium, Chromium, Fluoride, Nitrate, Selenium, Alpha Emitters, Uranium, Coliform Bacteria, Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids.

Snowflake: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Arsenic, Barium, Fluoride, Nitrate, Nitrite, [2,4-D], Silvex, Alachlor, Atrazine, Benzo(A)Pyrene (PAH), Carbofuran, Chlordane, Dalapon, Di(2-Ethylhexyl)Phthalate, Di bromochloropropane, Dinoseb, Diquat, Dioxin, Endothall, Endrin, Ethylene Dibromide, Glyphosate, Heptachlor, Hexachlorobenzene, Lindane, Methoxychlor, Oxamyl, Pentachlorophenol, Picloram, Simazine, Toxaphene, Benzene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Chlorobenzene, O-Dichlorobenzene, P-Dichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, Cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Dichloromethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene, Toluene, Vinyl Chloride, Xylenes.

Surprise - Desert Oasis: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Trihalomethanes, Beta/Photon Emitters, Alpha Emitters, Radium, Uranium, Arsenic, Chromium, Fluoride, Nitrate.

Surprise - Mountain Vista: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Trihalomethanes, Beta/Photon Emitters, Alpha Emitters, Radium, Uranium, Arsenic, Chromium, Fluoride, Nitrate, Barium, O-Dichlorobenzene.

Tempe: The following substances have been identified in your city's water supply, but they do not constitute a violation under EPA standards: Lithium, PFBS, PFBA, PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, Arsenic, Barium, Fluoride, Gross Alpha Emitters, Nitrate, Selenium, Tetrachloroethylene, Trichloroethylene, Uranium, Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids, Lead.

Your town/city not listed? Reach out to Eco Plumbing to have your report sent to you!

Need more information? Check the direct source links below for EPA’s and local testing reports.

Or call (602) 321 5522

How can these substances affect me?

Regular contact with the following substances has the potential to cause:

Alpha Emitters: Can cause damage to sensitive living tissue if inhaled or ingested.
Arsenic: Long-term exposure can lead to skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Barium: High levels can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, muscle weakness, and kidney damage.
Beta/Photon Emitters: May increase the risk of cancer due to their ability to ionize molecules in the body.
Chromium: Can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and increased cancer risk.
Fluoride: Excessive exposure can lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis, affecting bones and joints.
Haloacetic Acids: Long-term exposure may increase the risk of cancer and cause liver and kidney damage.
Lead: Can cause neurological damage, developmental delays in children, and kidney damage.
Lithium: High levels can affect the nervous system and thyroid function.
Nitrate: Can cause methemoglobinemia, which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
Radium: Long-term exposure can increase the risk of bone cancer and other cancers.
Selenium: High levels can cause selenosis, leading to hair loss, nail brittleness, and neurological damage.
Trihalomethanes: Long-term exposure can increase the risk of cancer and cause liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems.
Uranium: Can cause kidney damage and increase the risk of cancer if inhaled or ingested.
Chlorite: Can cause irritation in the mouth, esophagus, or stomach.
Chlorine Dioxide: Can cause irritation in the nose, throat, and lungs.
Gross Alpha Emitters: Similar to alpha particles, can cause tissue damage.
Asbestos: Can cause lung disease and cancer.
Coliform Bacteria: Indicates potential contamination by harmful pathogens.
Dichloromethane: Can cause central nervous system effects, liver toxicity, and cancer.
Di bromochloropropane: Can cause reproductive harm.
Di(2-Ethylhexyl)Phthalate: Can cause liver damage and reproductive harm.
Tetrachloroethylene: Can cause liver damage and increased cancer risk.
Trichloroethylene: Can cause liver damage and increased cancer risk.
PFBA: Can cause thyroid and liver effects.
Aluminum: High levels can affect the nervous system.
Chloride: High levels can cause dehydration and kidney issues.
Sulfate: High levels can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Manganese: High levels can affect the nervous system.
Germanium: High levels can cause kidney damage.
Bromide: High levels can cause neurological effects.
Nitrite: Similar to nitrate, can cause methemoglobinemia.
E. Coli: Can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
Bromate: Can increase the risk of cancer.
PFOA/PFOS: Can cause liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, and increased risk of cancer.
PFNA/PFHxS/PFBS: Can cause liver damage, thyroid changes, and developmental effects.

What Can You Do?

Stay Informed: Regularly check your local water quality reports.
Use Water Filters: Invest in high-quality water filtration systems to reduce contaminants.
Get Your Water Tested: Have your home’s water tested by professionals to identify any specific issues.
Contact Eco: Call (602) 321 5522 to schedule an appointment for water quality testing or have your city report sent to you.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and let’s work together for a cleaner, safer water supply!