Water Quality Reports

Analies Dyjak, M.A.  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst
**Updated April 27, 2021 to include current data

For Hydroviv’s assessment of Tucson, Arizona drinking water quality problems, we collected water test data from Tucson Water and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We cross referenced Tucson's water quality data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature. The water filters that we sell at Hydroviv are optimized to filter out contaminants that are found in Tucson’s drinking water.

Where Does Tucson Source Its Drinking Water?

Tucson sources its drinking water from 200 groundwater wells and the Colorado River.

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) In Tucson’s Drinking Water

This years water quality report for Tucson, Arizona included test data from two Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Perfluorooctane-sulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluoro-1-hexanesulfonic Acid (PFHxS). Concentrations of PFOS were detected as high as 56 parts per trillion, and averaged 28 parts per trillion. Concentrations of PFHxS were detected as high as 420 parts per trillion and averaged 210 parts per trillion. 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.

High Levels Of Arsenic In Tucson Drinking Water

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. It’s important to point out that EPA’s arsenic standard, balances its toxicity against the costs of removing it from drinking water, which means that regulations are very relaxed. The most recent tap water quality report reported arsenic concentrations up to 7.6 parts per billion in Tucson drinking water. Because these levels were detected in Tucson water, the municipality had to make the following disclosure in the Consumer Confidence Report:

"Arsenic is a naturally occurring substance commonly found in groundwater in the southwestern United States. While your drinking water meets EPA’s standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA’s standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the cost of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effect of low levels of arsenic which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems."

Hydroviv highly recommends that anyone with more than 1 part per billion take steps to remove arsenic from their water, especially if they have children.

Chromium 6 In Tucson's Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a highly toxic metal that is currently unregulated by the EPA. In recent years, Tucson has had a major problem with this dangerous contaminant. Chromium 6 pollution is associated with metal processing, tannery facilities, chromate production, stainless steel welding, and pigment production. The city of Tucson detected levels of Chromium 6 as high as 9400 parts per trillion and averaged 4720 parts per trillion. These levels are nearly 4700 times higher than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk. EPA has acknowledged that Chromium 6 is a known human carcinogen through inhalation, but is still determining its cancer potential through ingestion of drinking water. Lung, nasal and sinus cancers are associated with Chromium 6 exposure. Ingestion of extremely high doses of chromium 6 compounds can cause acute respiratory disease, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematological, hepatic, renal, and neurological distress which may result in death.

Lead In Tucson Drinking Water

Lead enters Tucson's 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 Tucson's water are over 0.9 parts per billion. Though currently in compliance with federal regulations, EPA and CDC both acknowledge that there is no safe level of lead, and federal regulations do not take into account levels measured at an individual tap. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that any taps used to serve children have lead levels no higher than 1 part per billion. Hydroviv Undersink filters are NSF/ANSI 53 certified to remove lead from drinking water.

Herbicide Runoff Detected In Tucson Tap Water

In 2020, Tucson's tap water quality tested positive for low levels of the herbicide atrazine .

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Tucson Drinking Water

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.

Still Have Questions About Tucson Drinking Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each customer's water. The contaminants that we list above are what we consider to be major “points of emphasis” that we use to build water filters that are built specifically for Tucson, but all of our our filters provide broad protection against a wide range of contaminants (including lead).

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

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Analies Dyjak, M.A.  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst
**Updated May 17, 2021 to include current available data

Our Water Nerds use data from El Paso Water Utility, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as in-house data to determine problems with El Paso drinking water. We then cross reference these data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature. The custom water filters we build for our customers in El Paso are optimized with this research in mind.

Source Of El Paso Drinking Water

El Paso sources its drinking water from both surface and groundwater sources. The surface water supply comes from the Rio Grande River and the groundwater supply is from the Mesilla Bolson and Hueco Bolson aquifers. Depending on the time of year and water usage, most El Paso customers use water from both of these sources.

High Levels Of Arsenic In El Paso Drinking Water

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. According to the most recent report, the average concentration of arsenic in drinking water was 6.6 parts per billion. However, the highest level of arsenic detected was 21 parts per billion. Due to the high El Paso's most recent water quality report uses the following disclosure language:

Kezia Snipe | Hydroviv Research Analyst
**Updated May 30, 2021 to include current data

For Hydroviv’s assessment of Detroit's water quality, we aggregated water quality test data from the Detroit Water and Sewerage 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 scientific and medical literature, and look at upcoming regulatory changes. The water filters that we offer at Hydroviv are optimized with these numbers and Detroit's water problems in mind.

Source Of Detroit Drinking Water

The city of Detroit gets its water from the Detroit River, situated within the Lake St. Clair, Clinton River, Detroit River, Rouge River, Ecorse River watersheds, in the U.S. and parts of the Thames River, Little River, Turkey Creek and Sydenham watersheds in Canada.

Lead In Detroit 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 Detroit are 9 parts per billion. Although Detroit is in compliance with federal regulations, the EPA, CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics all acknowledged that there is no safe level of lead for children, and federal regulations do not take into account levels measured at an individual tap.

Chromium 6 In Detroit Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is an extremely toxic metal that is not currently regulated by the EPA. In recent years, Detroit tap water averaged 110 parts per trillion for Chromium 6. For the sake of perspective, these levels are over 5 times higher than the concentration determined to have negligible impact on cancer risk.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Detroit Drinking Water

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.

Still Have Questions About Detroit Drinking Water?

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each customer's water. The contaminants that we list above are what we consider to be major “points of emphasis” that we use to build water filters that are built specifically for Detroit, but all of our our filters provide broad protection against a wide range of contaminants (including lead).

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

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**Updated April 27, 2021 to include current data

Analies Dyjak, M.A.  |  Hydroviv Research Analyst

Our Water Nerds have updated our assessment of Albuquerque drinking water to include the most current available data. To do this, our team analyzed data from the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Company, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as samples that we collect and analyze. We're then able to cross reference these data with toxicity studies in scientific and medical literature. The custom water filters that we build for our customers in Albuquerque are optimized with this information in mind.

Source Of Albuquerque's Drinking Water

Albuquerque drinking water is a mix of both surface water and groundwater. Approximately 70% of the supply comes from the Colorado River Basin via the San Juan Chama Project. The remainder of the supply is collected from about 90 wells across Albuquerque. This water is then treated at the San Juan Chama Drinking Water Treatment Plant.

High Levels Of Arsenic In Albuquerque Tap Water

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. The most recent tap water quality report for Albuquerque reported an average arsenic concentration of 2 parts per billion, with a maximum measured level of 9 parts per billion. This level is just slightly below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 parts per billion. Albuquerque's most recent water quality report uses the following disclosure language:

Chromium 6 In Albuquerque Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a hazardous metal not fully regulated by the EPA. A recent city of Albuquerque water quality report revealed an average of 970 parts per trillion for chromium 6. These substantial levels are nearly 49 times HIGHER than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk.

Lead In Albuquerque Drinking Water

Lead enters Albuquerque's 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 Albuquerque's water are over 2 parts per billion. Though the city of Albuquerque's water quality is currently in compliance with federal regulations, EPA, CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all acknowledge that there is no safe level of lead, and federal regulations do not take into account levels measured at an individual tap. Hydroviv Undersink filters are NSF/ANSI 53 certified to remove lead from drinking water.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Albuquerque Drinking Water

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.

Still Have Questions About Albuquerque Drinking Water?

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a category of emerging contaminant. They have been detected in a growing number of municipalities across the United States. Most cities are not required to test for or remove PFAS from drinking water, including Albuquerque. Not all water filters are designed to remove PFAS from tap water. If you'd like to find a water filter that removes PFAS from tap water, check out this Duke/NC State PFAS study. 

Hydroviv is a water filtration company that uses water quality data to optimize water filters for each customer's water. The contaminants that we list above are what we consider to be major “points of emphasis” that we use to build water filters that are built specifically for Albuquerque, but all of our our filters provide broad protection against a wide range of contaminants (including lead).

Emma Schultz M.S.  |  Scientific Contributor
**Updated May 3, 2021 to include data from the most recent Jersey City Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). 

To determine problems with drinking water in Jersey City, our Water Nerds use data from the Jersey City Water System, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as from samples that we collect and analyze. We use these data to cross reference with toxicity studies in the scientific and medical literature. The water filters that we build for our Jersey City customers are optimized with these issues in mind.

Source Of Jersey City Drinking Water

Jersey City’s drinking water comes from two surface water locations: the Jersey City Reservoir in Boonton, and the Split Rock Reservoir in Rockaway Township. Jersey City drinking water is treated at the Jersey City Water Treatment Plant in Boonton. Supplementary water may be briefly supplied by the City of Newark, the Passaic Valley Water Commission, or the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission.

Lead In Jersey City Drinking Water

Lead can enter Jersey City drinking water when water comes into contact with older lead service pipes and lead-containing plumbing. When corrosion control measures fail, such as the country witnessed in Flint, Michigan, lead leaches into the drinking water and reaches toxic levels. Recent sampling for lead in Jersey City found a 90th percentile concentration of 4.39 parts per billion. While these concentrations fall below the Federal Action Level, the EPA, CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all agree that there is no such thing as a safe level of lead. Additionally, federal regulations cannot possibly take into account levels measured at an individual tap, especially if your home has plumbing that contains lead. 

Chromium 6 In Jersey City Drinking Water

Chromium 6 is a hazardous metal that is not currently regulated by the EPA. Jersey City tap water recently averaged 90 parts per trillion for chromium 6. This average level is over 3 times higher than the concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk. It's important to point out that the last timeJersey City tested for chromium 6 was in 2015, so this concentration might not be representative of the current chromium 6 levels in Jersey City tap water. 

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) In Jersey City Drinking Water

DBPs are a category of emerging contaminants that form when chlorine-based disinfectants interact with naturally-occurring organic matter such as twigs and leaves. These chemicals are not well regulated, but EPA has acknowledged their association with an increased risk of bladder cancer, as well as kidney, liver, and central nervous system problems. EPA regulates two categories of DBPs: Haloacetic Acids 5 (HAA5) and Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs). The concentrations of TTHMs average 57.5 parts per billion, with concentrations reaching as high as 65.4 parts per billion. For a bit of perspective, the federal EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for TTHMs is 80 parts per billion. 

Chlorine In Jersey City Tap Water

As is common practice in municipalities across the United States, Jersey City adds chlorine to its water to protect consumers from waterborne illness. While not considered acutely harmful, many consumers find that they prefer the taste of their water when chlorine is removed. When your tap water is filtered, we believe you will notice an immediate taste improvement.

Still Have Questions About Jersey City's Drinking Water Quality?

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a category of emerging contaminants. They have been detected in a growing number of municipalities across the United States. Most cities are not required to test for or remove PFAS from drinking water, including Jersey City. Not all water filters are designed to remove PFAS from 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 Jersey City tap water, but all of our custom 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 New Jersey's water quality or about water filters that have been optimized for Jersey City 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 Jersey City Water Quality Article On Social Media With Anyone You Think Would Benefit From The Information!