How The Colorado, Salt And Verde Rivers Affect Phoenix Drinking Water

Living in the desert means water is precious, and at times, you might wonder how the city of Phoenix ensures everyone in the Valley has enough water. It’s a fascinating journey that starts far away from your tap.

Aquazona did a deep dive, so you don’t have to. Read our findings about how the nearby rivers play into our water system.

Quick Key Takeaways

• Here is a fast summary of what you need to know about your water supply:
• Where does drinking water come from? Most of it comes from the Salt, Verde and Colorado Rivers.
• How does Phoenix get its water? It travels through long canals like the Central Arizona Project to reach treatment plants.
• Why is it hard? The water picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium as it flows down mountains and riverbeds.
• Is it safe? Yes, Phoenix tap water is treated to be safe however some residents report it tastes or smells like chlorine.

Most of our water does not come from underground wells. Instead, it comes from nearby surface water sources: the Colorado River, the Salt River and the Verde River.

The Salt and Verde Rivers flow down from the mountains in northern and eastern Arizona, while the Colorado River passes through the desert to reach Arizona cities.

Canals Are Key

The Salt River Project (SRP) and the Central Arizona Project (CAP) are two complex canal systems that help provide water to our communities. Through these canals, Phoenix and other cities get water despite so little rainfall.

These three rivers are a primary source of water and significantly affect tap water quality. As the water travels down mountains and through riverbeds, it picks up minerals. Mainly, the calcium and magnesium from the rocks along the way.

By the time it reaches us, the water is full of these natural minerals. This is why water in Arizona is considered “hard.”

Before it reaches your glass, the water passes through treatment plants. They clean it by adding chlorine to kill bacteria to make sure it’s safe for you to drink. ​​While this is a very important step, it still leaves the issue of excess minerals in the water.

The Problem With Hardness And Chlorine

While the water is typically safe, it might not taste or smell very good. The chlorine often gives Phoenix tap water a chemical smell or bad taste.

Hard Water Issues For Your Home

You might notice white, chalky stuff on your faucets. This pesky residue is called scale. It builds up inside your pipes and water heater over time, forcing your appliances to work harder and wear out faster. It can even clog your showerheads and lower your water pressure.

Cleaning And Laundry Struggles

Hard water makes cleaning a headache. You might see spots on your clear glass dishes even after they are washed. Soap scum sticks to your shower walls and glass doors. When you do laundry, clothes can come out feeling stiff and looking faded.

Impact On Skin And Hair

Hard water is tough on your body, too. The minerals strip away natural oils, leaving your skin feeling dry and itchy. Your hair might feel brittle or look dull, hair dye won’t last as long, and you end up using more lotion and conditioner just to fight the effects of the water.

You don’t have to buy endless cases of bottled water to get great taste. A whole-home water system treats water in Arizona right at the source where it enters your house. This means improved water throughout the entire home, reduced scaling, softer and brighter laundry as well as so much more.

AquaZona understands the unique journey our water takes from the mountains to your home. We know exactly how to handle the hardness and chlorine levels found in the Valley. We offer high-quality Kinetico systems that are efficient, reliable and tailored to your home’s needs.

You deserve water that tastes great and protects your home. Contact AquaZona today to schedule your water analysis and learn more about your options!