Your Water
The Value of Water
Water is essential to all life and sustains our natural environment. Everyone uses water to drink, cook, clean and for sanitation. The average single-family residence in Glendale uses 9,000 gallons of water and generates 6,500 gallons of wastewater a month. The city is able to provide water and wastewater services to such residential customers for under $3 per day. The Department strategically manages water supplies through long-term planning, implementation of modern technologies, and the acquisition and use of renewable water resources.
Water Supply
The city uses renewable water supplies from the Salt, Verde and Colorado rivers, and stored water credits that are earned through the city’s recharge program. In addition, Glendale can pump a limited amount of groundwater when needed. Runoff from the Salt/Verde River watershed is stored in a series of lakes operated by the Salt River Project (SRP). Runoff from the Colorado River watershed is stored in Lake Powell, Lake Mead, and Lake Pleasant and delivered to Arizona through the Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal.
- Salt River Project (SRP) – Snow and rain run-off from the Salt and Verde River watersheds.
- Central Arizona Project (CAP) – Snow and rain run-off from the Colorado River watershed.
- Groundwater – Underground water pumped from wells.
- Reclaimed Water – Treated, recycled wastewater for non-potable use (landscape, industrial uses, etc.).
Water Treatment Process Video
The process the city of Glendale’s Water Services Dept. uses for treating water is both complex and fascinating. We have a fun way for you to learn all about it in this new video!
Common Drinking Water Questions
Is Glendale's water safe to drink?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed strict limits on the amount of contaminants allowed in drinking water to ensure that water is safe to drink.
Glendale is in full compliance with the drinking water standards outlined in the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), administered by the EPA and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
In fact, Glendale’s commitment to deliver safe drinking water surpasses the standards set forth in the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Glendale analyzed more than 19,000 water samples last year to ensure the water is safe and the environment is protected. USEPA requires routine monitoring for more than 80 regulated substances and 12 unregulated substances.
Our monitoring program tests for more than 120 substances at wells, reservoirs, and at customer water taps at representative sampling points throughout the water distribution system.
If you have specific questions regarding Glendale's water quality, call us at (623)-930-4177 or send us an email at waterqualitylab@glendaleaz.com.
Why does the taste of the tap water vary throughout the year?
The tap water will taste different throughout the year due to seasonal changes in the environment. During hot weather, the water tastes different, in part, due to the growth of harmless algae in our lakes and canals. Glendale is continuously working to control these fluctuations in taste; however, it is not always possible to totally eliminate them. Regardless of the varying taste, the water is safe to drink and meets all regulatory standards. Also, water in the desert climate is often warm, and warm water doesn't taste as good as cold water. It is suggested that residents fill a container of water and chill it in the refrigerator.
Why does my water smell unusual?
We use chlorine dioxide gas as a disinfectant at the water treatment plant. Chlorine dioxide is used instead of chlorine to reduce the formation of cancer-causing compounds such as trihalomethanes. It is an excellent disinfectant but can cause short-term odor problems for customers.
When a water tap is opened, small amounts of chlorine dioxide diffuse into the air and combine with existing household odors. All homes have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the ambient air produced by scented products (soaps, candles, air fresheners, incense, potpourri), cleaning agents or solvents, paint, carpet, furnishings, fresh flowers or wreaths, and many other common household items. The VOC/chlorine dioxide combination odors have been described as smelling like fuel oil, kerosene, chemicals, or cat urine, to name the most common. Studies have not identified any health concerns associated with this combined odor.
The strongest odors are associated with installing new carpet, upholstered furniture or draperies and interior painting. The odor will continue until the level of VOCs decreases (new smell goes away). This can take from a few weeks up to several months to dissipate depending on the situation, type of materials, amount of ventilation, etc. In enclosed areas with little ventilation, such as laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms and closets, these compounds will accumulate, so the odor will tend to be stronger or last longer than in well-ventilated areas. Increasing ventilation by opening windows and turning on fans will help to eliminate the odors more quickly.
Alternatively, you can remove chlorine dioxide and other chlorine compounds from the water by using an activated carbon filter. This will prevent the formation of compounds causing unpleasant odors.
Why is my water pressure low?
The pressure at your house is determined by where you live within a water pressure zone and the demand on the system at the time. The City of Glendale is divided into four different pressure zones. During the peak water demand times of the day, 6 to 8 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., the pressure may sometimes drop due to the size of the pipes carrying the water and the significant increased demand for water. Peak hour demand can be five to 10 times higher than low-hour demand.
Permanent low pressure should be reported to the city, for a pressure check, call 623-930-2700.
Submit a service request or report a water services issue.