City of San Luis

Certain populations may face higher risks from water contaminants than the general public. Those with compromised immune systems, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with immune disorders, elderly residents, and infants may be particularly vulnerable to infections. These individuals should consult their healthcare providers about their tap water consumption.

To ensure public safety, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes limits on contaminant levels in municipal water systems. All water, including bottled varieties, naturally contains some level of contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or visit www.epa.gov/safewater.

Community engagement is important to us. We welcome resident input regarding water quality at our regularly scheduled City Council meetings held at City Hall. Visit www.cityofsanluis.org for meeting schedules and additional information.

The City of San Luis Public Works Department proudly presents the 2016 Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report). Federal and state regulations require all water providers to inform customers annually about their water quality. This report contains information about water sources, contents, and compliance with health standards as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Our groundwater comes from six well sites at various locations throughout San Luis, ranging from 250-600 feet in depth. Each site features disinfection equipment to eliminate microbial contaminants, plus storage tanks and booster pumps. The city maintains 4 million gallons of storage capacity. Five well sites have operational manganese removal equipment, with the East San Luis treatment plant becoming operational in February 2016.

Manganese occurs naturally in soil and dissolves into groundwater. When exposed to air or chlorine, it precipitates as black material. Our water also contains high calcium and magnesium levels, creating significant "hardness" that causes scaling in pipes and makes soap difficult to lather. While the City doesn't provide centralized water softening, residents may consider installing individual water softeners.

Per Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and EPA requirements, we conduct extensive water testing: 30 monthly bacteriological samples, quarterly testing for Disinfection By-Products, and annual Nitrate testing. Due to population growth, sampling will increase to 40 bacteriological samples monthly in 2017.

Water sources may contain various contaminants, including microbial organisms from sewage treatment plants and wildlife; inorganic compounds like salts and metals from natural sources or urban runoff; pesticides from agriculture and urban areas; and organic chemicals from industrial processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do we need the water treatment plant?
2. Will there be any arsenic dust migration to neighboring properties?
3. Is there risk of groundwater contamination from the solids drying basins?
4. Will there be a production well at the water treatment facility?
5. Will the water treatment plant store vehicles or equipment?
6. How does a water treatment plant fit within rural residential zoning?
7. What impact will truck traffic have on the neighborhood?
8. Are the treatment chemicals highly hazardous?
9. Will chlorine be stored on-site?
10. Will facility lighting disturb surrounding residents?

Water Service Questions

1. Why does my water sometimes smell like rotten eggs?
2. What can I do to increase my water pressure?
3. I have a leak at my water meter - who's responsible for the water costs?
4. How do I set up new water service?
5. Why is my water bill unusually high?
6. Why am I responsible for fixing leaks on my property?

For answers to these questions and more information about your water service, please contact our customer service department at 928-341-8520 or visit our website.