“There’s what in my water?” If you’re an Arizonan, this question has likely crossed your mind after learning about what’s really lurking beneath the surface of your glass of water. While tap water in Tucson and surrounding areas is considered safe to drink by technical standards, it still contains minerals and traces of impurities that may cause concern. Let’s break down what’s in your water and some tips to improve its quality.
Is Arizona Tap Water Safe to Drink?
If you’re wondering whether Arizona’s tap water is safe to drink, the short answer is yes. Tap water meets federal and state safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). These regulations ensure that harmful contaminants, such as lead and bacteria, remain below safe limits.
However, just because it meets safety standards doesn’t mean it’s free from impurities. Arizona tap water often contains minerals like calcium and magnesium (minerals that, while good for you, are hard on plumbing), as well as trace amounts of chlorine, lead, and arsenic. Additionally, some residents may notice cloudiness or an odd taste, which may stem from sediment or the treatment processes used to disinfect the water. While these contaminants may not cause immediate harm, it’s still in your family’s best interest to take steps to improve the quality of your drinking water.
Arizona’s Hard Water Issue
One of the most common complaints about Arizona tap water is its hardness. In fact, the state is notorious for having some of the hardest water in the United States. But what exactly is hard water? It’s water that contains a high concentration of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium.
Hard water isn’t a health risk, but it can cause several problems for homeowners. For example, it can lead to mineral buildup in your pipes, appliances, and fixtures, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. And if you’ve ever noticed white, chalky residue on your faucets or shower doors, you know the effects of hard water personally. It’s also important to note that hard water can make it harder to get a good lather from soap, and the minerals leave your skin feeling dry.
While hard water is common in Arizona, there are effective ways to address it. For example, you could install a water softener to remove hard water minerals and prevent scale buildup. Of course, this also means getting rid of minerals that are good for your body (calcium and magnesium). An alternative option is to install a HALO water conditioner, which suspends the minerals to protect the pipes and fixtures in your home while still allowing you to enjoy the benefits of calcium and magnesium.
Where Does Arizona’s Drinking Water Come From?
To understand why Arizona’s drinking water has trace amounts of impurities, it helps to know where it comes from. Arizona’s water supply primarily comes from two sources:
- Surface Water: This includes water from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, such as the Colorado River and Salt River. Surface water is treated at municipal plants to remove contaminants before being delivered to homes.
- Groundwater: Arizona also uses groundwater, which is pumped from aquifers. Groundwater tends to have higher mineral content, which exacerbates the state’s hard water issues.
Even with treatment, small amounts of impurities from these sources can make their way into your home. Additionally, it’s often the chemicals from municipal water treatment that can be harmful to your health in the long-term. The treatment process relies on chemicals like chlorine, ammonia, and chloramine to sanitize water and eliminate harmful microorganisms such as algae and bacteria. While these sanitizing agents are essential to ensure water reaches your home free from disease-causing pathogens, they can have unintended side effects. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals has been linked to health issues such as eczema, respiratory problems, and even an increased risk of certain cancers.
If you’re looking to safeguard your home’s water supply, installing a water treatment system is a critical step. However, not all water treatment systems are created equal. A water conditioner is often the best choice because it keeps beneficial minerals in the water while removing harmful chemicals like chlorine and chloramine. Unlike traditional water softeners, which focus solely on removing minerals such as calcium and magnesium, or reverse osmosis (RO) systems, which strip everything out of the water — leaving it devoid of essential minerals and overly acidic — a water conditioner strikes the perfect balance.
How to Enhance the Quality of Your Home’s Drinking Water
Now that we’ve answered the question, “Can you drink tap water in Arizona?” (yes, but with caveats), let’s talk about how to make it even better. If you’re concerned about the taste, mineral content, or potential impurities in your water, there are several steps you can take to improve its quality:
Test Your Water
Conducting a water test can provide valuable insights into what’s in your tap water. The results will identify the specific minerals and contaminants present and help you choose the most effective treatment solution for your home, whether that’s a reverse osmosis (RO) system, a water softener, or a water conditioning system.
Install a HALO Water Treatment System
A HALO water treatment system is a comprehensive solution that addresses many of the issues common with Arizona’s tap water. It not only softens water but also filters out impurities, improves taste, and prevents scale buildup in your plumbing and appliances. Cool Willy’s Air & Plumbing specializes in HALO water treatment system installation and can make sure your home’s water is as clean and enjoyable as possible.
Trust Cool Willy’s Air & Plumbing to Improve Your Water Quality
It can feel unsettling to know there are impurities in your tap water, even if it meets federal and state safety standards. The good news is that you have options to enhance its quality. With solutions like the HALO water treatment system, you can enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water while protecting your home’s plumbing and appliances from hard water damage.
Whether you’re dealing with hard water, odd-tasting tap water, or concerns about impurities, Cool Willy’s Air & Plumbing has the expertise and tools to address your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our residential plumbing services and water improvement options in Tucson, AZ. Clean, refreshing water is just a call away!
