Is Phoenix Water Safe To Drink?
As a resident, you likely have noticed that the tap water in Phoenix, AZ, sometimes smells or tastes a little strange. Common complaints among locals have been that it smells like a swimming pool and has a distinct earthy flavor that just isn’t quite right. You might even wonder: Is Phoenix water safe to drink?
These experiences are shared by a lot of homeowners in the Valley. While Phoenix is committed to delivering safe and reliable water, the journey your water takes before reaching your faucet can introduce a few common issues.
At AquaZona, your Authorized Independent Kinetico Dealer, we’ve been helping residents of Phoenix and surrounding communities achieve cleaner, better-tasting water since 1987. We’re dedicated to providing you with comprehensive education and expert guidance to understand the quirks of your Phoenix tap water quality and find the best solution.
Common Causes of “Off” Tastes And Smells In Phoenix Tap Water
The water in our desert environment is unique, and so are the challenges that can affect its taste and smell. Here are some of the most frequent reasons why your water in Phoenix might seem “off”.
The Smell of Swimming Pools: Chlorine
The most common reason for that chemical or “swimming pool” smell and taste is chlorine. Water treatment plants add chlorine to the public water supply to disinfect it and kill harmful bacteria and viruses. But this leads to a strong bleach-like odor that many residents worry about. There’s no need to worry — the city is required to maintain a certain level of chlorine to keep the water safe to drink and use.
The Earthy, Musty Smell: Algae And Organic Matter
Sometimes, especially during warmer months, your water might have a musty or dirt-like smell. This is usually caused by naturally occurring organic compounds that enter the water supply from sources like the Salt and Verde rivers and the Central Arizona Project (CAP).
These odors are often linked to harmless algae blooms in the source water. Even after treatment, trace amounts of these compounds can remain, causing an off-putting smell that is more a sensory issue than a safety concern.
Rotten Eggs: Hydrogen Sulfide Gas
If your water smells like rotten eggs, the cause is likely hydrogen sulfide gas. This can happen in two ways:
Source Water
Hydrogen sulfide can be naturally present in groundwater (well water) or sometimes in the municipal supply.
Plumbing
More often in city water, this gas is produced when certain non-harmful bacteria interact with sulfates inside your water heater or drain pipes. The smell is usually most noticeable from the hot water in Phoenix.
Hard Water And Mineral Buildup
Phoenix has notoriously hard water, meaning it has high concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While these minerals don’t usually cause a strong smell, they can leave behind a metallic or slightly salty taste. More importantly, hard water causes scale buildup in pipes and appliances, which can trap and concentrate odors and sediment.
Is Phoenix Tap Water Safe To Drink?
For most residents, the answer is yes. The tap water in Phoenix, AZ, meets all federal and state health standards, and the City of Phoenix monitors water quality closely and issues annual reports.
However, “safe” doesn’t always mean great-tasting or high-quality. While your water is disinfected, it still contains chlorine for safety and high levels of hard water minerals. Plus, many homeowners are concerned about emerging contaminants like PFAS (“forever chemicals”), which public treatment plants are working hard to address, but may still be present in trace amounts.
We believe that every family deserves the highest quality water. That’s why AquaZona is committed to providing honest and solution-based results to empower you to make informed decisions about your family’s health and comfort.
Simple Solutions For Better-Tasting Water
Ready to eliminate that “off” taste and enjoy truly refreshing water? As your knowledgeable and trusted water treatment specialists, AquaZona offers innovative Kinetico solutions to solve these specific Phoenix water challenges.
Whole House Filtration For Odor And Taste
A whole-house filtration system is the ultimate solution for removing chlorine and those earthy, musty odors right where the water enters your home. These systems reduce the contaminants that affect the taste and smell of all the water you use. From showers and dishes to drinking water, your home will have top-quality water for any use.
Water Softeners For Mineral Removal
Our Kinetico water softeners effectively remove excessive hard minerals that contribute to that metallic taste and lead to scale buildup. By eliminating hard water, you will see a reduction in:
- Unsightly spots on dishes and glassware.
- Mineral buildup on fixtures and appliances.
- Dry skin and dull hair.
Drinking Water Purification For Purity
For the cleanest, best-tasting drinking and cooking water, a Kinetico drinking water purification system, like the Kinetico K5, provides an added layer of protection. These systems are certified to remove up to 99% of contaminants, including chlorine, lead and even PFAS. Let our system give you continued confidence in your hydration.
Your AquaZona Guarantees
Stop wondering about the taste and smell of your water in Phoenix. The first step to pure, refreshing water is a complimentary water analysis with one of our experienced water treatment specialists.
Ready to find out exactly what’s in your Phoenix tap water and how we can make it better? Schedule a free, no-obligation water analysis for your Phoenix home today!
