FAQs
What law keeps my drinking water safe?
Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply and protecting sources of drinking water. SDWA is administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency and its state partners.
Where can I find information about my local water supply?
Since 1999, water suppliers have been required to provide Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to their customers on an annual basis. These reports are due by July 1 each year and include information on any contaminants found in the drinking water, possible health effects, and the water’s source.
You can find additional information on your water supply at:
www.cap-az.com
www.srpnet.com/water/
How often is my water supply tested?
EPA has established pollutant-specific minimum testing schedules for public water systems. Each water system is unique and may require different testing protocol. To find out how frequently your drinking water is tested, contact your local water system or the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
What are we concerned about in the water?
Naturally occurring microorganisms (wildlife and soils), radionuclide (underlying rock), nitrates and nitrites (nitrogen compounds used in fertilizers), heavy metals (underground rocks containing arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and selenium), and fluoride.
How is my water treated to make it safe?
Water suppliers use a variety of treatment processes to remove contaminants from drinking water. The most commonly used processes include coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. Flocculation removes dirt and other particles suspended in the water, which in turn settle naturally out of the water by sedimentation. Filtration removes all particles from the water including clays and silts and clarifies it. This step enhances the effectiveness of disinfection, which is considered to be one of the major public health advances of the 20th century. Chlorine, chlorinates, or chlorine dioxides are most often used for disinfection because they are highly successful and can maintain a residual concentration in the water system. Physical processes such as ultraviolet light, which kills microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, are also used.
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