ECWA Evans

The Erie County Water Authority (ECWA) was established in 1949 through special legislation in New York State to provide residents and businesses with reliable access to clean water for generations to come. Since 1953, ECWA has consistently delivered high-quality water to customers at reasonable rates.

Operating as an independent public-benefit corporation, ECWA functions separately from both New York State agencies and Erie County government. The Authority maintains financial self-sufficiency, covering operational expenses through revenue generated from water sales to its 170,042 customers. In 2017, ECWA produced approximately 24.9 billion gallons of premium water for residential, commercial, and industrial use across 35 Western New York municipalities.

About 34.1% of water was unmetered, used for essential services like firefighting, main flushing, filter maintenance, equipment testing, and some was lost to system leakage. Approximately 16.4 billion gallons were delivered to paying customers.

ECWA's infrastructure includes two water treatment facilities, an award-winning Department of Water Quality, 38 pumping stations, 38 storage tanks, and maintains 3,574 miles of water mains, 19,262 fire hydrants, and 35,608 valves plus various accessories. In 2017, residential customers paid $3.17 per thousand gallons, with the average household using 18,750 gallons quarterly paying about $316.35 annually—roughly 87 cents per day for safe, abundant water.

1. Is Phoenix's tap water safe? Phoenix water meets or surpasses all federal and state requirements for health and safety. More than 5 million tests and measurements are performed each year at water treatment plants and throughout distribution systems. Phoenix's advanced equipment and laboratories test for over 100 substances. Rest assured that if water quality ever becomes a concern in Phoenix, customers will be promptly notified.
2. What does Phoenix use to disinfect the water that reaches my tap? Phoenix disinfects its entire water supply with chlorine before distribution to consumers. Chlorine disinfection is among the most widely used methods to protect municipal water. Federal regulations require a minimum chlorine level of 0.2 parts per million in water leaving treatment plants and a maximum of 4.0 parts per million in the distribution system. Phoenix adds approximately one part per million to ensure water safety throughout delivery. The city also employs advanced treatment processes to guarantee drinking water safety.
3. Who makes sure Phoenix water meets standards? Tap water is one of the most heavily regulated resources in the nation. Phoenix treats its municipal water to standards exceeding federal and state requirements, with oversight from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, and Maricopa County Environmental Services Department. Various organizations occasionally develop alternative standards that differ from EPA regulations. While these theoretical standards may be well-intentioned, comparing Phoenix's test results (which fully comply with EPA standards) against these artificial benchmarks can create misleading information for customers. Phoenix complies with current EPA requirements, collaborates with water associations on quality standards, and remains dedicated to public health protection.
4. Does the taste, smell and hardness in Phoenix's water affect its safety? No. These are harmless aesthetic characteristics some consumers might notice. Taste, smell and hardness aren't regulated under drinking water health standards. Seasonal variations in taste or odor (stronger in fall) occur due to increased algae in canals transporting surface water to treatment plants. While algae are removed during treatment, some aromas may persist. Chlorine used for disinfection can also affect taste and smell. Minerals like calcium and magnesium from soil contact during water transport contribute to hardness. Phoenix continues enhancing water aesthetics through carbon treatment (similar to refrigerator filters), improved monitoring techniques, and blending Central Arizona Project and Salt River Project waters. Home plumbing and filtration systems can significantly impact these qualities. For taste improvement, try letting water sit briefly or adding lemon or lime.
5. Should I drink Phoenix's water if I have an immune system disease? Although Phoenix treats water to meet or exceed all standards, some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems—including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, certain elderly people, and infants—may face higher infection risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about drinking water safety. EPA and CDC guidelines on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available through the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
6. Do I need to use water filters at home? Since Phoenix water meets or exceeds standards, filters are generally unnecessary unless recommended by your physician or preferred personally. If you choose to use filters on faucets or refrigerators, follow manufacturer's instructions for regular replacements. The Arizona Water Quality Association provides additional information about home treatment systems at azwqa.org or 480-947-9850.
7. Where can I get more information about water? Detailed information about Phoenix water quality is available online at phoenix.gov/water and phoenix.gov/waterservices/waterquality/water-qualityreports, where you'll find our annual Water Quality Report. You may also call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline for information about the Safe Drinking Water Act or EPA's drinking water programs at 800-426-4791.