City of El Mirage

WATER SOURCE INFORMATION
The City of El Mirage Water System draws all its water from 9 wells that tap into the Western Valley Salt River Subbasin groundwater supply. This natural groundwater serves as the sole source for our municipal water system.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT
In 2004, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) conducted a thorough assessment of El Mirage's water sources. After analyzing local hydrology and surveying nearby land use, ADEQ designated our wells and groundwater with a low risk classification. This positive rating confirms that El Mirage's groundwater and wells are well-protected with minimal contamination risk, ensuring safe municipal water for all residents.

POTENTIAL CONTAMINANTS IN WATER
Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it may collect various substances including:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals that occur naturally or come from urban runoff, industrial discharge, or agricultural practices
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that can be naturally occurring or result from oil/gas production

HEALTH INFORMATION
Tap water and bottled water may reasonably contain small amounts of contaminants that don't necessarily pose health risks. However, certain populations may be more vulnerable, including those with compromised immune systems (such as organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients), some elderly individuals, and infants. These groups should consult their healthcare providers about water consumption.

While El Mirage water meets EPA's arsenic standards, it does contain low levels of this mineral. EPA continues researching low-level arsenic exposure, which at high concentrations can cause cancer and other health issues including skin damage and circulatory problems.

Nitrate levels above 10 ppm pose risks to infants under 6 months, potentially causing "blue baby syndrome." Nitrate concentrations can fluctuate rapidly due to rainfall or agricultural activity. Parents of infants should consult their physicians about water safety.

LEAD AWARENESS
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water typically comes from service lines and home plumbing materials, not the water supply itself. If your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. For concerns about lead, consider having your water tested. More information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

WATER QUALITY ASSURANCE
El Mirage performs extensive water monitoring according to federal and state regulations. All detected contaminants were well below maximum allowable levels, with no violations reported. This confirms that El Mirage municipal water is safe and poses no health concerns.

CLOUDY WATER EXPLANATION
Sometimes municipal water appears "milky" or "cloudy" due to trapped air. While affecting appearance, this doesn't impact safety or plumbing systems. Air can enter water during pumping, pipeline repairs, or when groundwater is warmed for distribution.

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