Arsenic

Arsenic is an element found naturally in rocks, water, plants, and animals. It is also used by industries as a wood preservative and in the manufacturing process of paints, drugs, dyes, soaps, metals, and semi-conductors.

As of January 23, 2006, the EPA has lowered the maximum contaminant level (MCL) from 0.050 mg/L to 0.010 mg/L. In 2003, the Utilities Department determined that seven of the city’s groundwater wells had arsenic concentrations above the MCL of 0.010 mg/L. These wells have been out of service since January 2006.

Arsenic treatment technologies are rapidly changing. Compliance options for arsenic mitigation include blending, on-site treatment, and modification to current operations. Capital investment costs for on-site treatment may exceed one million dollars per site. In an attempt to reduce costly capital investments, the Utilities Department is evaluating treatment options at this time. The goal is to apply effective technology while minimizing the cost to Peoria customers.

Source Water Assessment 

The Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) report for Peoria is available for review. Based on a mandate set forth in the 1996 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) evaluated each water source used by public water systems in Arizona. ADEQ looked at the quality of groundwater being drawn into wells, the watersheds supplying surface water, and land use activities occurring near drinking water sources. This information is used to determine the degree to which a public drinking water source is protected from, or at risk of, contamination.

It is also used to assist local communities in implementing source water protection measures to preserve drinking water quality. When preparing Peoria’s SWAP, ADEQ evaluated 24 wells. One of these wells was found to have a high risk of contamination due to its proximity to an old gas station. While contamination is not occurring or even imminent, ADEQ must list the whole Peoria system as having a high risk of contamination. The well in question, along with all other city wells, is tested routinely per federal, state, and county regulations, and no evidence of contamination has been detected. The full SWAP report for the city can be reviewed at both Peoria Public Libraries and the Utilities Department office at 8401 W. Monroe Street.  

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