At a Glance:
Is Phoenix Tap Water Safe to Drink?
How to Remove Chemicals From Your Water
Water Filtration Options for Your Home
There are many considerations for anyone moving to Arizona. Homebuyers want to find their ideal neighborhoods that match their work and lifestyle needs while finding the right houses for their families. One common question that new residents ask is whether the tap water is safe. They want to make sure they can drink the water, as well as cook with it, bathe in it, and use it to wash their clothes.
For the most part, Arizona water is perfectly safe. It is clean and free of harsh chemicals. However, your experience may vary. If you suspect your water might be contaminated, learn about your options. Here’s how to test for lead in water and take steps to purify it.
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If you live in the Phoenix area of Arizona and want to install a water filtration system in your home, check out Spencers for expert staff and water treatment options.
Water Filtration & TreatmentIs Phoenix Tap Water Safe to Drink?
The tap water is completely safe in the vast majority of homes across Phoenix and its surrounding areas. If you recently moved here from another part of the country, know that many residents drink tap water on a regular basis without worrying about lead exposure and other chemicals. The public works department regularly tests the tap water to identify more than 100 different substances to ensure they aren’t present at dangerous levels. More than five million water tests are done each year on Phoenix water alone.
There is also minimal chance of exposure to lead through Arizona’s tap water. The city used lead service lines to provide tap water to residents throughout the 20th century, but these were identified as dangerous and removed in the 1990s. For nearly 30 years, local residents have benefitted from lead-free pipes to receive their water.
While the tap water as a whole is clean, individual households might have different experiences. You might have a lead pipe on your property that was never replaced or could have hard water in your home. You can still benefit from testing your water to make sure it is safe to drink.
How to Test for Lead in Water
If you suspect there is lead in water coming through your tap, collect samples and send them for testing. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can help you find nearby testing centers that will tell you about the chemical makeup of your water. Testing will cost between $15 and $100 depending on the center and the number of samples you submit. This is the safest way to ensure your tap water is safe to drink.
You cannot see, smell, or taste lead in water. This means you won’t know if there is lead or other harsh chemicals present unless you submit your water for testing. However, you can learn the symptoms of lead poisoning in both kids and adults so you can see if your experiences align with what medical experts have to say. These clues by your body can provide warning signs that you have been exposed to hard chemicals.
In children, lead poisoning often results in developmental delays and learning difficulties. Kids can become irritable, have noticeable weight loss, and experience fatigue. Lead poisoning can also cause hearing loss.
In adults, lead exposure can cause high blood pressure, joint pain, muscle fatigue, digestion issues, difficulties concentrating, poor memory, and mood disorders.
Even if you get your tap water tested and it’s clean, these symptoms mean there is something wrong. You could have lead exposure from a variety of other sources, including paint, materials handled at work, and even in some children’s toys. Lead in water is only one source of poisoning.
How to Remove Chemicals From Your Water
If you find lead in your home’s water supply, talk to your local public works department. They might be able to test the water main connection in the area to see if there is lead flowing into your home. This could help you determine whether the lead is coming from city water or if there is a lead pipe somewhere on your property.
From there, your next step is to remove the lead from your water. You can invest in water filtration systems that remove lead and other harsh chemicals from the water that flows through your taps. These systems can either be basic – like a water filter that you keep in your refrigerator – or cover all of the water that flows through your home.
A whole-house filtration system will also prevent your family from being exposed to harsh chemicals when they wash their hands, shower, or run their clothes through the laundry. It also ensures that no one drinks contaminated water. You don’t know if your kids are refilling their water glasses in the bathroom overnight, potentially exposing them to water with lead in it. Even brushing their teeth with tap water could be harmful if it has unwanted chemicals.
Research your options to see what filtration systems are best for your home. Even if the city says that your tap water is safe, these systems can make the water taste better and give you peace of mind knowing that it is completely free of impurities.
Water Filtration Options for Your Home
There are multiple treatment options to look into for your home, but one of the best water filtration models to consider is a reverse osmosis system. With this system, water gets forced through a membrane that removes chemicals and other unwanted elements in your water. The pure water flows through while the chemicals are blocked – not unlike pouring water through a sieve or net. Throughout the system, water will flow through multiple membranes (usually between four and six), with each membrane providing a deeper filtration experience. The result is clean water that is safe to use for any family.
A reverse osmosis system is preferred by homeowners because it filters all of the water that flows through your house. These systems often attach to your water heater or a similar key water line in your home. It can also fit under your kitchen sink if needed. When you wash your hands or take a shower, you can enjoy the benefits of bathing in filtered water. These systems can also affect your laundry, as filtered water is softer on clothes and can prevent wear and tear.
There are other filtration options to consider. Choose a model that matches your price range and water usage needs. You can also contact the experts at Spencers TV & Appliance and request a water filtration consultation. Our professional services department can work with developers, home flippers, and homeowners to ensure any kitchen is well-designed and provides safe drinking water for the people who live there.
FAQ
Does Arizona tap water have lead?
No. Arizona used to have lead pipes that contributed to high levels of lead in water. However, these were removed in the 1990s with safer options. While there might be light traces of lead occasionally, the tap water in Arizona is safe to drink.
How do I test my water for lead?
The EPA works with several labs across the United States that offer lead testing for water. If you suspect there may be lead in your water, reach out to one of these testing sites. You can send water samples for testing for a fee ranging from $15 to $100. This can give you a clear answer regarding the safety of your water.
How do you know if there’s lead in your water?
Unfortunately, you cannot see, taste, or smell the lead that is in your drinking water. This means you need to actively test for lead if you think it might be present in your home. You can do this as a routine part of moving into a new house or if you have concerns about water safety in your area. Research local centers in your area where you can send water for testing.
Why Trust Spencers TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencers TV & Appliance has grown to 11 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencers and see what you’re missing!
Shop Water Treatment Options at Spencers
At Spencers TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop water treatment ideas online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the best water treatment plan for your home. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!