Tucson residents rely on their municipal water supply for drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning. While Tucson Water consistently meets Environmental Protection Agency standards, many homeowners are curious — and sometimes concerned — about what exactly is in the water that flows from their taps. Here is a clear, factual look at Tucson's water quality.
Where Tucson's Water Comes From
Tucson's water supply comes from three main sources. The Central Arizona Project (CAP) delivers Colorado River water through a 336-mile canal system. This water is treated at several facilities before reaching your home. Local groundwater from wells tapping the Tucson Basin aquifer has been a water source for the region for decades. And reclaimed water, which is treated wastewater, is used for irrigation and some industrial purposes but not for drinking water.
The mix of these sources means your water quality can vary somewhat depending on where you live within the Tucson metro area and what time of year it is.
Total Dissolved Solids
Total dissolved solids (TDS) is a measure of the total amount of minerals, salts, and metals dissolved in water. Tucson's tap water typically has TDS readings between 300 and 600 parts per million. For comparison, bottled water brands often target TDS below 50 PPM, and reverse osmosis filtered water typically reads between 10 and 30 PPM. While high TDS is not necessarily harmful, it affects taste and contributes to the mineral buildup on your fixtures and inside your appliances.
Water Hardness
As we have discussed in other articles, Tucson has extremely hard water, typically ranging from 12 to 25 grains per gallon. This hardness comes primarily from dissolved calcium and magnesium. While hard water is not a health hazard, it causes significant issues with scale buildup, appliance efficiency, and daily comfort.
Chlorine and Disinfection Byproducts
Tucson Water uses chlorine to disinfect the water supply and prevent bacterial growth in the distribution system. Chlorine levels in Tucson's tap water typically range from 0.5 to 2.0 parts per million, which is within EPA limits. While chlorine makes the water safe to drink, it gives the water a chemical taste and odor that many people find unpleasant. When chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water, it can also form disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, which are regulated by the EPA.
Arsenic
Arsenic occurs naturally in the soil and groundwater of southern Arizona. Tucson's water supply contains trace amounts of arsenic that are within EPA limits (10 parts per billion) but higher than what many other cities experience. Some health researchers believe the current EPA limit is not strict enough, and there is ongoing debate about what level of arsenic is truly safe for long-term consumption.
Fluoride
Tucson Water adds fluoride to the water supply for dental health purposes. Fluoride levels are maintained around 0.7 PPM, which is within the CDC's recommended range. Some homeowners prefer to remove fluoride from their drinking water, which can be accomplished with a reverse osmosis system.
Lead and Copper
While Tucson's water treatment plants do not add lead or copper to the water, these metals can leach into your water from older pipes and plumbing fixtures within your home. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in their plumbing joints. If your home is older, having your water tested specifically for lead is a wise precaution.
What You Can Do About Water Quality
Understanding your water quality empowers you to make informed decisions. A whole-house water softener addresses hardness, protecting your plumbing and appliances. An under-sink reverse osmosis system provides purified drinking water by removing TDS, chlorine, arsenic, fluoride, and other dissolved contaminants. A whole-house carbon filter can reduce chlorine throughout your home.
Get Your Water Tested Free
ABC Water & Air provides free in-home water testing for Tucson homeowners. We test for hardness, TDS, pH, and other key indicators. Understanding exactly what is in your water is the first step toward better water quality. Call (520) 812-1597 to schedule your free water test.