Tucson Water's EPA Warning - What Homeowners Need to Know

Tucson's water quality has been the subject of EPA scrutiny and community concern. Understanding the issues helps you make informed decisions about protecting your family's water supply.

Understanding Tucson's Water

Water Sources

Tucson Water uses multiple sources:

• Colorado River water (via CAP canal)
• Local groundwater wells
• Reclaimed water (non-potable uses)
• Recharged groundwater

Water Quality Challenges

Several factors affect Tucson water quality:

• Hard water (high mineral content)
• Historical contamination sites
• Agricultural runoff
• Natural arsenic in groundwater
• PFAS (forever chemicals) concerns

Common Contaminants of Concern

1. Arsenic

Arsenic occurs naturally in Arizona groundwater:

• EPA limit: 10 parts per billion (ppb)
• Some Tucson wells have approached this limit
• Long-term exposure linked to health issues
• Particularly concerning for children

2. PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances:

• Used in firefighting foam, non-stick products
• Found near military installations
• Very slow to break down in environment
• Health effects still being studied

3. Chromium-6

Hexavalent chromium concerns:

• No federal limit currently set
• California set limit at 10 ppb
• Linked to cancer in some studies
• Present in some Tucson water

4. Chlorine and Disinfection Byproducts

Used for water treatment:

• Chlorine taste and odor
• Trihalomethanes (THMs) from chlorination
• Regulated but still present

5. Hard Water Minerals

High mineral content causes:

• Scale buildup in pipes
• Reduced appliance efficiency
• Dry skin and hair
• Soap doesn't lather well

Health Implications

Short-Term Effects:

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Skin irritation
• Taste and odor concerns

Long-Term Concerns:

• Increased cancer risk (certain contaminants)
• Developmental effects in children
• Cardiovascular effects
• Neurological impacts

Vulnerable Groups:

• Infants and young children
• Pregnant women
• Elderly individuals
• Those with compromised immune systems

What Tucson Water Does

Treatment Processes:

• Filtration and sedimentation
• Chlorine disinfection
• pH adjustment
• Fluoride addition
• Regular testing and monitoring

Compliance:

• Meets EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards
• Annual Consumer Confidence Reports
• Public notification requirements
• Ongoing monitoring and improvements

Protecting Your Family

Option 1: Point-of-Use Filtration

Filters at specific taps:

Reverse Osmosis (RO):

• Removes 95-99% of contaminants
• Installed under kitchen sink
• Requires periodic filter changes
• Cost: $300-800 installed

Carbon Filters:

• Removes chlorine, taste, odor
• Various configurations available
• Less comprehensive than RO
• Cost: $50-300

Option 2: Whole-House Filtration

Treats all water entering home:

• Water softener for hard water
• Sediment and carbon filtration
• UV disinfection option
• Cost: $2,000-6,000 installed

Option 3: Bottled Water

For drinking and cooking:

• Convenient but expensive long-term
• Environmental concerns
• Quality varies by brand
• Not practical for all uses

Recommended Solutions for Tucson

Minimum Protection:

• Under-sink RO system for drinking/cooking water
• Refrigerator filter for ice and water
• Cost-effective basic protection

Comprehensive Protection:

• Whole-house water softener
• Whole-house carbon filtration
• Under-sink RO for drinking water
• Complete protection throughout home

Premium Protection:

• All of the above plus
• UV disinfection
• Whole-house sediment filtration
• Maximum protection and convenience

Water Testing

Free Testing:

• Tucson Water provides annual quality reports
• EPA data available online
• Some utilities offer free testing

Professional Testing:

• Comprehensive contaminant analysis
• Identifies specific home plumbing issues
• Guides filtration decisions
• Cost: $100-500 depending on scope

Making Your Decision

Consider these factors:

1. Health concerns - Family members with sensitivities
2. Taste preferences - Importance of water taste
3. Budget - Initial and ongoing costs
4. Home setup - Plumbing configuration
5. Maintenance - Willingness to change filters

Professional Water Solutions

Intelligent Design offers comprehensive water quality solutions:

• Water testing and analysis
• Water softener installation
• Whole-house filtration systems
• Reverse osmosis installation
• Ongoing maintenance and filter service

Call (520) 333-2665 for a water quality consultation. We'll help you understand your options and choose the right solution for your family.