City of Chandler

Arsenic: While Chandler's municipal water meets EPA's maximum contaminant level (MCL) standard of 10 ppb for arsenic, it does contain low levels of this element. The 2017 combined average was 5.55 ppb, well within compliance limits. The EPA carefully balances arsenic's health risks against removal costs, as this mineral is known to cause cancer at high concentrations and can lead to skin damage and circulatory problems.

Nitrate: During 2017, Chandler's highest measured nitrate level was 7.2 parts per million (ppm), with an annual average of 2.96 ppm. This remains significantly below the EPA threshold of 10 ppm. Parents should note that elevated nitrate levels pose health risks to infants under six months, potentially causing blue baby syndrome. Nitrate concentrations can fluctuate rapidly after rainfall or agricultural activity.

Organic Chemical Contaminants: These include synthetic organic chemicals (SOC) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) that typically originate from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and waste management systems.

EPA Modified Total Coliform Rule: As of April 1, 2016, the EPA strengthened public health protections by requiring vulnerable water systems to identify and fix problems related to microbial contamination. Rather than issuing violations for multiple coliform detections, the new approach focuses on assessment and remediation of sanitary defects. Chandler had no required assessments in 2017.

Disinfection Byproducts:

• Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs): Long-term exposure above MCL limits may affect liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, with increased cancer risk.
• Haloacetic Acids (HAA5): Extended consumption of water containing elevated haloacetic acids may increase cancer risk over time.

Chandler's Public Works & Utilities Department conducts more water quality tests than required by law, demonstrating our commitment to safe drinking water. We're proud to report that Chandler's water meets or exceeds all health and safety standards established by County, State, and Federal regulatory agencies for 2017.

About Your Water Supply: Chandler residents receive water from three primary sources:

• The Chandler Surface Water Treatment Plant (SWTP) processes and disinfects water from the Salt River, Verde River, Central Arizona Project (Colorado River), and SRP wells via the Consolidated Canal.
• 31 active municipal wells supply groundwater from aquifers beneath Chandler, which is chlorine-disinfected before distribution.
• The Santan Vista Water Treatment Plant (SVWTP), jointly owned with Gilbert, treats up to 12 million gallons daily of Colorado River water from the Central Arizona Project.

Seasonal taste variations may occur depending on source water. Chandler works with SRP to minimize algae in the canal system and optimize treatment processes. Arizona State University partners with Chandler to monitor taste and odor precursors, allowing for more precise control during treatment.

Water and Your Health: All water sources, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. Immunocompromised individuals, cancer patients, transplant recipients, those with HIV/AIDS, elderly, and infants may be particularly susceptible to certain waterborne infections. These populations should consult healthcare providers about drinking water safety.

Water sources (tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, while also potentially collecting substances from animal or human activities.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial Contaminants: Including viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic Contaminants: Such as salts and metals occurring naturally or from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and Herbicides: From agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: Including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive Contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining activities

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations set similar standards for bottled water, providing equivalent public health protection. For more information about these regulations, call 1-888-INFO FDA (463-6332).

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