Is Phoenix tap water safe to drink?

Phoenix tap water meets all current EPA legal standards and has no active violations. However, 6 of 10 detected contaminants exceed the stricter EWG health guidelines, including arsenic (1,050x above EWG), chromium-6 (26x above EWG), and disinfection byproducts. While legally compliant, many health-conscious residents choose to filter their drinking water with a reverse osmosis system.

Why is Phoenix water so hard?

Phoenix water averages 15-17 grains per gallon of hardness (250+ mg/L), classified as 'very hard.' This comes from the mineral-rich desert groundwater and Colorado River water that supply the city. The high calcium and magnesium content causes white scale on fixtures, reduced appliance lifespan, and soap scum buildup. A whole-house water softener is the most effective solution.

Does Phoenix water have arsenic?

Yes. Arsenic is naturally present in Arizona's groundwater and is detected in Phoenix tap water at 4.2 ppb. This is below the EPA maximum contaminant level of 10 ppb but exceeds the EWG health guideline of 0.004 ppb by over 1,000 times. Reverse osmosis systems are the most effective way to remove arsenic from drinking water at home.

What is the best water filter for Phoenix tap water?

For drinking water, a reverse osmosis (RO) system is the best choice for Phoenix. It removes arsenic, chromium-6, disinfection byproducts, fluoride, uranium, and reduces TDS and hardness. For whole-house protection against hard water scale, pair the RO with a water softener. See our recommended RO systems and water softener picks for Phoenix-specific options.

Does Phoenix add fluoride to the water?

Yes, Phoenix fluoridates its water at approximately 0.7 mg/L, which aligns with the CDC's recommended optimal level. This is well below the EPA maximum of 4.0 mg/L. If you prefer to remove fluoride, reverse osmosis, distillation, or activated alumina filters are effective options.

Is Phoenix water safe for babies and infant formula?

Phoenix water meets EPA safety standards, but the arsenic level (4.2 ppb) and fluoride content (0.7 mg/L) are concerns for infant health. The American Dental Association recommends using low-fluoride water for infant formula preparation. A reverse osmosis filter removes both arsenic and fluoride, making it the safest option for preparing baby formula with Phoenix tap water.

Phoenix, Arizona Water Quality Report

Updated: 2025-05-10Written by: TapWaterGuide Editorial Team

Is Phoenix, Arizona tap water safe to drink? Phoenix's tap water meets all EPA maximum contaminant levels, but 7 of 10 detected contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines. The water is sourced from a blend of Salt River Project surface water (from the Salt and Verde Rivers via a system of reservoirs), Colorado River water delivered through the Central Arizona Project canal, and supplemental groundwater wells and serves approximately 1,608,139 residents.

Last updated: 2025-05-10 · Source: EPA SDWIS & EWG Tap Water Database

Where Does Phoenix's Water Come From?

Phoenix's drinking water is supplied by City of Phoenix Water Services Department, primarily sourced from a blend of Salt River Project surface water (from the Salt and Verde Rivers via a system of reservoirs), Colorado River water delivered through the Central Arizona Project canal, and supplemental groundwater wells. The system serves approximately 1,608,139 people.

Phoenix's water quality story is defined by two factors: extreme hardness from mineral-rich desert sources, and naturally occurring arsenic and chromium-6 in the regional groundwater. The city's treatment infrastructure is modern and well-maintained, with no current EPA violations. However, multiple contaminants exceed the stricter EWG health guidelines, making a home filtration system a worthwhile investment for Phoenix residents — particularly an RO system for drinking water and a softener for whole-house protection.

What's in Phoenix's Tap Water?

The following contaminants were detected in Phoenix's most recent water quality testing. Levels are compared against both EPA legal limits and stricter EWG health guidelines.

Contaminant	Detected Level	EPA MCL	EWG Guideline	Status	Removal Methods
Arsenic	4.2 ppb	10 ppb	0.004 ppb	Above EWG Guideline	Reverse Osmosis, Distillation, Adsorptive Media
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)	0.52 ppb	No limit set	0.02 ppb	Above EWG Guideline	Reverse Osmosis, Ion Exchange, Activated Carbon
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)	42.5 ppb	80 ppb	0.8 ppb	Above EWG Guideline	Activated Carbon, Reverse Osmosis, Aeration
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)	28.3 ppb	60 ppb	0.1 ppb	Above EWG Guideline	Activated Carbon, Reverse Osmosis
Fluoride	0.7 mg/L	4 mg/L	0.7 mg/L	Within Guidelines	Reverse Osmosis, Distillation, Activated Alumina
Uranium	3.8 µg/L	30 µg/L	0.43 µg/L	Above EWG Guideline	Reverse Osmosis, Ion Exchange, Distillation
Total Hardness (as CaCO3)	250 mg/L	No limit set	No guideline	Within Guidelines	Water Softener, Reverse Osmosis, Salt-Free Conditioning
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)	480 mg/L	No limit set	No guideline	Within Guidelines	Reverse Osmosis, Distillation
Nitrate	2.1 mg/L	10 mg/L	0.14 mg/L	Above EWG Guideline	Reverse Osmosis, Ion Exchange, Distillation
Lead	1.8 ppb	15 ppb	0.5 ppb	Above EWG Guideline	Reverse Osmosis, Distillation, KDF

Known Water Quality Issues in Phoenix

Phoenix has some of the hardest water in the United States, averaging 15-17 grains per gallon (250+ mg/L as CaCO3). This causes significant scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and appliances, and many residents notice dry skin and hair. A water softener or conditioning system is one of the most common home water upgrades in the Phoenix metro area.

Arsenic occurs naturally in the groundwater throughout the Phoenix valley. While the city's surface water supply dilutes groundwater arsenic levels below the EPA MCL of 10 ppb, the detected level of 4.2 ppb still exceeds the EWG health guideline of 0.004 ppb by over 1,000 times.

Chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium) — the 'Erin Brockovich chemical' — is detected at 0.52 ppb, which is 26 times above the EWG health guideline. There is currently no federal MCL specifically for chromium-6; the EPA only regulates total chromium at 100 ppb. California has set a state-level MCL of 10 ppb.

As a desert city relying heavily on the Colorado River via the Central Arizona Project, Phoenix faces long-term water supply sustainability challenges. Drought conditions and Lake Mead water level fluctuations can affect source water quality and treatment requirements.

Recommended Water Filters for Phoenix

Based on the specific contaminants detected in Phoenix's water supply, here are the filtration technologies and products that address your local water quality concerns.

Reverse Osmosis System

The most comprehensive solution for Phoenix's water. Removes Arsenic, Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium), Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), and more.

See our top RO system picks →

Activated Carbon Filter

Effective for removing Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium), Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Lead. Available as under-sink, countertop, or pitcher filters.

See our top carbon filter picks →

How to Check Your Own Water Quality in Phoenix

The data above reflects system-wide testing. Your specific tap water may differ due to your home's plumbing, your distance from the treatment plant, and whether you're on a private well. For the most accurate picture, consider a certified water test.

Compare the best home water testing kits →