Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Phoenix?
Yes, tap water in Phoenix is safe to drink. It's supplied by a blend of the Colorado River (via the Central Arizona Project canal) and the Salt and Verde Rivers, treated to meet all EPA standards, though it is notably hard.
Water Source
City of Phoenix Water Services blends Colorado River water delivered through the 336-mile Central Arizona Project canal with Salt and Verde River water managed by the Salt River Project, plus groundwater as a backup source.
EPA Compliance Status
Meets all federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Notable Contaminants & Context
- •No significant compliance concerns in treated supply
- •Colorado River shortage conditions in recent years have reduced CAP allocations, a well-documented regional supply-planning issue rather than a water-safety one
How It Compares
Phoenix's reliance on the drought-stressed Colorado River has made it a focal point of Southwest water policy; the city has responded with conservation programs and growing use of reclaimed water for non-potable purposes, while treated drinking water remains fully compliant.
Tips
- •A water softener is common in Phoenix homes due to high hardness, though it's a taste/appliance issue, not a safety one
- •City of Phoenix Water Services publishes an annual water quality report
- •No need for bottled water around the city
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations
- •EWG Tap Water Database
- •The utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality