Kezia Snipe  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst 
Updated July 17, 2019 to include current data

We've updated our drinking water assessment of Phoenix, Arizona to include 2019 data. Our Water Nerds used data from the City of Phoenix Water Services Department, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We cross reference these data with toxicity studies in the scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we build and sell at Hydroviv are optimized to remove contaminants found in Phoenix, Arizona drinking water.

Source Of Phoenix Drinking Water

The sources of Phoenix’s city and tap water include rivers, lakes, streams, springs and wells. In 2018, about 98% of Phoenix’s water came from surface water that mostly started as snow pack. Phoenix obtains untreated surface water from the Salt, Verde and Colorado rivers. Supplementary water from the Agua Fria River is mixed with water from the Colorado River when needed. The water is then delivered to one of the city’s five water treatment plants.

Chromium 6 In Phoenix Drinking Water Is Highest In The US

Chromium 6 (also known as hexavalent chromium) is a highly toxic metal that is not regulated by the EPA. Unfortunately, Phoenix's city and tap water has some of the highest levels of Chromium 6 among major U.S. cities. In recent years, tap water in Phoenix has averaged 408 parts per billion. For the sake of perspective, these levels correspond to 400x and 2700x higher than the concentration determined by toxicologists to have negligible impact on cancer risk. We strongly recommend that all Phoneix residents filter their water for chromium 6.

Arsenic In Phoenix Drinking Water

According to data from the 2018 report, the average concentration of arsenic in Phoenix drinking water is 7 parts per billion. Arsenic is a toxic metal that is known to cause cancer and other health issues. Unlike lead, which distributes into water from plumbing, arsenic comes from the source water itself. Phoenix is in compliance with EPA water quality standards but it’s important to mention that EPA’s standard balances the toxicity against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. We highly recommend that anyone with more than 1 part per billion take steps to remove arsenic from their water, especially those with children.

Lead Levels In Phoenix Drinking Water

Lead enters tap water through older lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures put in place by the municipality fail (like what recently happened in Flint, Michigan), lead leaches into the drinking water, and can reach dangerous levels. Currently, 10% of samples analyzed for lead in Phoenix are over 3 parts per billion, with 2 of the 54 sites exceeding the 15 parts per billion federal action level. While currently in compliance with federal regulations, EPA and CDC both acknowledge that there is no safe level of lead for children. Hydroviv Undersink filters are NSF/ANSI 53 certified to remove lead from drinking water.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) recently recommended setting a Minimum Risk Level of 20 parts per trillion for PFOS, but is still researching the toxicity profile of PFHxS. ATSDR has determined that PFAS are associated with an increased risk of cancer, reproductive problems, and hormonal disruptions. This category of chemicals are “emerging contaminants” which means they are thought to pose a potential threat to human health and the environment, but haven't yet been regulated. PFAS contribute to environmental contamination largely due to the fact that they are highly resistant to the degradation processes, and thus persist for many years in water, air and can enter the food chain via bioaccumulation in certain animal species.Not all water filters are designed to remove PFAS from drinking water. If you'd like to find a water filter that removes PFAS from tap water, check out this Duke/NC State PFAS study.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not currently regulated very well, the EPA has admitted that they are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems.

Chlorine

Like many other municipalities in the United States, Phoenix injects its city and tap water with chlorine, which is typically used to protect against waterborne illness. Chlorine is not typically considered to be harmful on its own but many find that removing chlorine from drinking water greatly enhances its taste and odor.

Still Have Questions?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each city’s water. The chemicals that we list above are what we consider to be “points of emphasis” for the filters that we sell in Phoenix, but all of our filters provide broad protection against other contaminants commonly found in drinking water (e.g. VOCs, solvents, pesticides, mercury). If you’re interested in learning more about our city-specific water filters, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook, so check us out!

Emma Schultz, M.S. | Scientific Contributor   
**Updated August 6, 2019 to include current data

We've aggregated the most current water quality test data from Riverside Public Utilities, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We then cross reference these data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature, and supplementary internal data. The water filters that we sell in Riverside are optimized to remove detected contaminants.

Source Of Riverside Drinking Water

Riverside gets its drinking water entirely from groundwater sources. Water is pumped from the Bunker Hill and Riverside groundwater basins and is treated before being distributed to Riverside residents. It should be noted that “these sources are considered most vulnerable to historical contamination from industrial and agricultural operations” (see above link to the 2018 Water Quality Report).

High Levels Of Chromium 6 In Riverside Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal not currently regulated by the EPA. Riverside tap water has recently averaged a substantial 2200 parts per trillion for chromium 6. For reference, these levels are nearly 110 times higher than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk. For a bit of context, the state of California tried to set a state Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 20 parts per trillion for chromium 6. After municipalities were unable to comply with the interim MCL, a lawsuit resulted in the withdrawal of the 20 parts per trillion standard. 

Arsenic In Riverside Drinking Water

Arsenic is a cancer-causing toxic heavy metal, that can also lead to other adverse health effects. Arsenic originates in the source water. While Riverside is in compliance with EPA water quality standards, it should be understood that EPA’s standard balances toxicity against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. Riverside’s most recent tap water quality report listed average arsenic concentrations of 1 parts per billion, with a maximum concentration of 2.9 parts per billion. We strongly recommend that tap water with more than 1 part per billion be treated to remove arsenic, particularly if there are children in the home.  

Lead In Riverside Drinking Water

Lead enters Riverside's tap water through older lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures fail (such as what recently happened in Flint, Michigan), lead leaches into drinking water, and can reach unsafe levels. EPA, CDC, and American Academy of Pediatrics all acknowledge that there is no safe level of lead for children. In addition, federal regulations cannot take into account levels measured at an individual tap.  

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Riverside Drinking Water

DBPs are halogenated emerging contaminants that occur when chlorine-based disinfectants are added to the water supply and then combine with naturally-occurring organic matter. Although these chemicals are not yet well-regulated, EPA has stated that they have been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems.

Use Of Chlorine In Riverside Tap Water

As is common practice in the United States, Riverside adds chlorine to its water to protect consumers against waterborne illness. While not considered harmful per se, many people find that removing chlorine from their drinking water greatly improves the overall taste and odor. When Riverside's water is filtered, we expect that you will notice an immediate improvement in taste.    

Still Have Questions About Riverside's Tap Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each city’s water. The chemicals that we list above are what we consider to be “points of emphasis” so we can build the best water filter for Riverside tap water, but all of our water filters provide broad protection against other contaminants commonly found in drinking water (e.g. VOCs, heavy metals [including lead], pharmaceuticals, solvents, pesticides, mercury).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Riverside tap water, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat.  We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook.

Please Share This Riverside Water Quality Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

Recommended Articles For You
5 Things About Chromium 6 Contamination In Drinking Water
Why Does EPA Allow Toxic Chemicals In Drinking Water?
What Do I Need To Know About Disinfection Byproducts?
What Should I Know About Lead Contamination And Lead Poisoning?

Emma Schultz, M.S.  |  Scientific Contributor

For our assessment of Toledo's tap and drinking water quality, we aggregated water quality test data from the City of Toledo, the water provider for Toledo, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We cross reference these data with toxicity studies in the scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we sell in Toledo are optimized with these water quality issues in mind.

Source Of Toledo Drinking Water

Toledo’s tap and drinking water comes from surface water originating in Lake Erie. There is a water intake crib located 2.5 miles offshore in Lake Erie’s Maumee Bay. Water is funneled through a pump station, and is pretreated before traveling several miles to the Collins Park Water Treatment Plant for full treatment.

Toledo made headlines in 2014 for a water crisis that occurred when a phosphorous-fed toxic algae formed on Lake Erie directly over the water intake crib. The toxic algae contained microcystin, which can be deadly to small animals that drink the contaminated water. Humans who consume the water can suffer from gastrointestinal distress and liver problems. The toxicity level was likely exacerbated by a virus in the water that caused algal cells to erupt and release additional toxins. Toledo residents were issued a ‘Do Not Drink’ injunction for three days in August of 2014. Microcystin levels have been monitored since 2014; it was not detected in any of the samples in 2020.

Lead In Toledo Drinking Water

Lead mixes with Toledo's tap and drinking water following contact with older lead service pipes and lead plumbing. When corrosion control measures fail, such as the recent crisis in Flint, Michigan, lead leaches into the drinking water, and can reach toxic levels. Recent analysis for lead in Toledo's tap and drinking water found 90th percentile concentrations of less than 4 parts per billion. While no tested residences were above the Action Level of 15 ppb, and Toledo is in compliance with all federal regulations, federal regulations can not possibly account for levels measured at an individual’s tap, especially when your home plumbing contains lead. In addition, both the EPA and CDC have recognized that there is no such thing as a safe level of lead, and the American Academy of Pediatrics urges taps with more than 1 ppb lead to be remediated immediately.

Chromium 6 In Toledo Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a hazardous metal not yet well regulated by the EPA. In 2016, Toledo’s tap and drinking water quality averaged 220 parts per trillion for chromium 6. Despite the lack of regulation, consumers should know that chromium 6 levels in Toledo's water are nearly 11 times higher than the minimum concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of halogenated emerging contaminants that are produced when chlorine-based disinfectants are added to the water supply, and then combine with naturally-occurring organic matter. These chemicals, while not fully regulated, have been found by the EPA to link to an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. Toledo’s tap water has recently had moderate levels of DBPs, with a 2020 average of 62.9 parts per billion average for trihalomethanes (TTHMs), and 20.03 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5).

Use Of Chlorine In Toledo Tap Water

As with much of the United States, Toledo adds chlorine to its water supply to protect consumers against waterborne illness. While not considered overly harmful, many people find that removing chlorine from their drinking water markedly improves the water’s overall taste and odor. When you filter your tap water, we expect you will notice an immediate taste improvement.

Still Have Questions About Toledo's Tap Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each city’s water. The chemicals that we list above are what we consider to be “points of emphasis” so we can build the best water filter for Toledo tap water, but all of our water filters provide broad protection against other contaminants commonly found in drinking water (e.g. VOCs, heavy metals [including lead], pharmaceuticals, solvents, pesticides, mercury).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for Toledo tap water, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook.

Please Share This Toledo Water Quality Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

Recommended Articles For You

For our assessment of the City of St. Paul's tap and drinking water, we aggregated water quality test data from the Saint Paul Regional Water Services, the water provider for St. Paul, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We cross reference our Saint Paul water data with toxicity studies in the scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we sell in St. Paul are optimized with these issues in mind.

Source Of St. Paul's Drinking Water

The city of St. Paul's water comes from both surface and groundwater sources. Much of the water comes from the Mississippi River, but prior to treatment is run through a chain of lakes in the suburbs north of downtown St. Paul. Additional water as needed comes from 10 wells that pump from the deep Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer.

Lead In St. Paul Drinking Water

Lead enters the city of St. Paul's water through aged lead service pipes and through lead plumbing. When corrosion control measures fail, such as recently seen in Flint, Michigan, lead leaches into the drinking water, and reaches toxic levels. Recent analysis for lead in St. Paul found 90% of sampled concentrations below 9.8 parts per billion. In addition, 3 of the 50 sites sampled exceeded the set Action Level of 15 ppb. The city of St. Paul's water quality is technically in compliance with federal regulations with no further actions required (since no more than 10% of samples exceeded the Action Level). However, both the EPA and CDC have recognized that there is no such thing as safe levels of lead. In addition, federal regulations can of course not account for levels measured at an individual’s tap.

Chromium 6 In St. Paul Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a toxic metal that is not regulated by the EPA. St. Paul’s tap water has recently averaged 170 parts per trillion for chromium 6. Despite the lack of regulation, these levels are over 8 times higher than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In St. Paul Drinking Water

DBPs are emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants, added to the water supply to keep it ‘safe,’ then combine with naturally-occurring organic matter. These chemicals, while not regulated thoroughly, have been linked by the EPA to an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. St. Paul’s tap water has recently had moderate levels of DBPs, with a 2016 average of 89 parts per billion (more of which comes from trihalomethanes than from haloacetic acids).

Use Of Chloramine In St. Paul Tap Water

The City of St. Paul adds chloramine to its drinking water to protect consumers against waterborne illness. Free chlorine is in contact with the water for a period of time; then ammonia is added to react with the chlorine. This combined chlorine/ammonia compound is called chloramine. Chloramine is more stable than free chlorine, and allows for disinfectant to remain in the water throughout the water distribution system. Chloramine is also less likely to form unwanted disinfection by-products. While chloramine is not considered detrimental to health, people often find that removing it from their drinking water greatly improves the overall taste and odor. However, not all filters that remove chlorine are able to also remove chloramine. Hydroviv is able to specifically formulate filters to remove chloramine from drinking water.

Still Have Questions About St. Paul Tap Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each city’s water. The chemicals that we list above are what we consider to be “points of emphasis” so we can build the best water filter for St. Paul's tap water, but all of our water filters provide broad protection against other contaminants commonly found in drinking water (e.g. VOCs, heavy metals [including lead], pharmaceuticals, solvents, pesticides, mercury).

If you’re interested in learning more about water filters that have been optimized for St. Paul's tap water, feel free to visit www.hydroviv.com, reach out by email (hello@hydroviv.com) or through our live chat. We also frequently post water-related news on Twitter or Facebook.

Please Share This St. Paul Water Quality Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!

Recommended Articles For You
What Do I Need To Know About Lead Contamination And Lead Poisoning?
What Should I Know About Chromium 6 Contamination In Drinking Water?
What Do I Need To Know About Disinfection Byproducts?
Why Does EPA Allow Toxic Chemicals In Drinking Water?