Water Quality Questions
https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices/waterquality
WHY IS MY WATER CLOUDY, BROWN OR DISCOLORED?
- How long have you noticed the discoloration? If less than one day, flush your faucet(s) for several minutes. Discolored
water for a short duration is most likely due to the internal house plumbing system. If more than one day, have you
noticed any repair work or use of the fire hydrant in your area?
- Have neighbors also experienced discoloration? Flush your facets by running your water for several minutes
- Have you had any recent plumbing repairs? You may want to contact your plumber. You may be able to clear the water by
running the faucets for a few minutes
- Do you have a reverse osmosis or water softener system? Discolored water could be a sign that the water softener/reverse
osmosis filter needs to be changed.
- Is the discolored water coming from your hot water tap only? Yes -- This is likely an issue with your hot water heater
WHY ARE THERE BUBBLES IN MY WATER?
- This is caused by dissolved air in the water that is released when the faucet is opened. If air is the reason, the water
usually clears within a few minutes if allowed to stand.
WHY IS MY WATER (OR ICE) CLOUDY?
- Cloudy water is usually caused by microscopic air bubbles trapped in the water. Discoloration may be from aging pipes
in your home or business, especially if it occurs upon first use in the morning. Discoloration or sediment may also
be seen after a water leak repair or a fire hydrant has been flushed in the area near your home or business.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FLUSHED FIRE HYDRANTS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND WE HAVE DIRTY WATER (BROWN/YELLOW) FOR DAYS?
- Sediment in the water mains that deliver water to your home can be stirred up after a hydrant is flushed. Flush your
faucets by running your water for several minutes, to help remove the discolored water.
WHY IS MY COLD WATER HOT?
- It is not uncommon to have warm water in the summer. Phoenix has intense summer heat which warms the ground. The ground
holds heat and can warm up the pipes in the city's distribution system.
WHY IS MY WATER SMELLY?
- Sink drains and/or garbage disposals may retain organic matter such as food waste. Bacteria which live on this organic
matter can produce a gas that smells like rotten eggs or sewage. The smell becomes apparent when the water is turned
on, causing the smell to expel from the drain. You can check this by drawing a glass of water from a different faucet
and smell the water. If this water has no odor, then the likely problem is bacteria in the sink drain.
- Have you cleaned your garbage disposal or sink traps recently? No - the drain can be cleaned by pouring in baking soda
or bleach to kill the bacteria. Pour 1 cup of bleach and wait 10 minutes then run water for a few minutes to flush
or contact a licensed plumber.
WHY IS THE CHLORINE SMELL STRONG AT TIMES?
- Chlorine booster stations and chlorinators located at various locations throughout the city help maintain appropriate
chlorine levels in the drinking water. The city maintains chlorine levels within Environmental Protection Agency
Standards (EPA). Some people may be more sensitive to chlorine than others.
This information was provided by City of Phoenix Water Services Department.
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Sewer Questions
Cockroaches
- The City of Phoenix Water Services Department has about 38,000 manholes painted annually with a latex based insecticide. The paint is guaranteed to control cockroaches for two years.
- By drastically reducing the cockroach population in the sanitary sewer/wastewater collection system, the City's cockroach control program has had an impact on preventing cockroach infestation on private property as well.
- However, the City is ONLY responsible for public sewers. Many people think that because the city treats sewers for cockroaches, that the sewers are the only source of cockroach infestation. It is up to individuals to treat their own homes, meter boxes, storage sheds, mail boxes, dog houses and other areas cockroaches like to hide.
Quick Facts
- Cockroaches can enter your home in a number of ways - through air ducts, sewer cleanouts and cracks or openings in the foundation.
- They prefer dark, moist places and can slip through spaces as thin as a dime.
- Without a consistent food or water supply, they'll quickly find another place to inhabit.
- Once inside your home, drains provide an ideal living environment for them.
Tips for Controlling Cockroaches in Your Home
- Keep drains covered if not used for long periods of time.
- Attach properly fitted door sweeps.
- Store food, including pet food, in tightly sealed containers.
- Pour ½ cup of bleach down drains to keep them from drying out.
- Using a professional exterminating company to regularly treat your home both inside and out is encouraged. One-time treatments usually only provide temporary reductions.
- Check boxes and cartons before bringing them in from storage.
Thank you for using the city of Phoenix services. If you have any further questions, please contact customer service at
cityservicesbill@phoenix.gov.
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Draining and Backwashing Your Pool
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Questions about sewer fees
- Each year, sewer fees are recalculated based on a percentage of your actual water used during January, February, and March, and become effective each July. Sewer fees include a standard deduction for water used for landscape during those months. For customers whose service did not include a January, February, and March bill period, sewer fees are based on the City average for that time.
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Environmental Services Questions
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Water Conservation Resources
If you want to report a leak, please use the Report a Leak option on the form.
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