On April 10, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the first national drinking water standard for the chemicals known as PFOA/PFAS also known as “forever chemicals.” As anticipated, the EPA has set enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels at 4.0 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, individually.
According to the EPA’s April 10, 2024, press release: “this standard will reduce exposure from these PFAS in our drinking water to the lowest levels that are feasible for effective implementation. All public water systems have three years to complete their initial monitoring for these chemicals. They must inform the public of the level of PFAS measured in their drinking water. Where PFAS is found at levels that exceed these standards, systems must implement solutions to reduce PFAS in their drinking water within five years.”
“This means that the city has until 2029 for full compliance, but Prescott is fortunate that we are already compliant with the rule. Prescott had just one non-compliant well: Airport Well #5, and by removing that well from our system, we have been able to produce drinking water that is already under the new standard without other mitigation requirements,” said Public Works Director Gwen Rowitsch.
The City of Prescott has been testing for PFOA/PFAS for over a year and the test results have been provided to the public via press release, the city’s website, and Annual Water Quality Reports available below.
“While we are already compliant with the new standards, we will likely bring in consulting professionals to assist us in determining what mitigations may be the most effective long-term means of assuring adequate supplies of safe drinking water for the future and we will follow closely to determine whether there are federal funds available for the city’s use,” said Rowitsch.
Following the news that there was a significant release of fuel into the ground in Chino Valley, the Utilities staff had vicinity wells tested. Test results indicated no evidence of contamination from this event. Samples were taken from Chino Wells 3, 4 and 5. The Utilities operations will continue sampling over the next several months to confirm that no contamination has occurred.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) requires the Annual Water Quality Report to be available to the public by July 1st each year.
In effort to be fiscally responsible and conserve natural resources, this report is being delivered primarily through electronic distribution. Limited hard copies of the report are available at the City Library, City Hall, and Public Works.
To request a hard copy, contact Water Operations.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) requires the Annual Water Quality Report to be available to the public by July 1st each year.
In effort to be fiscally responsible and conserve natural resources, this report is being delivered primarily through electronic distribution. Limited hard copies of the report are available at the City Library, City Hall, and Public Works.
To request a hard copy, contact Water Operations.
Each year the City of Prescott is required to pull quarterly Arsenic samples at EPDS (Entry Point to Distribution System) 011 located in Chino Valley. This sample is taken to ensure Arsenic levels stay below Federal and State regulatory limits. The MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) for Arsenic in drinking water is 10 ppb (Parts Per Billion). Below are the quarterly results for the most recent year of City of Prescott Arsenic testing.
|
Quarter
|
Level
|
|---|---|
|
2023 Q4
|
8.2 ppb
|
|
2023 Q3
|
8.2 ppb
|
|
2023 Q2
|
8.1 ppb
|
|
2023 Q1
|
8.2 ppb
|
One ppb is like one sheet in a roll of toilet paper stretching from New York to London.
In 2022, Water Operations conducted the Lead & Copper Water Sampling in the City following ADEQ regulatory procedures. The results of the 2022 testing are available in the Annual Drinking Water Quality & Consumer Confidence Report for Reporting Year 2022.
Due to the heightened awareness of Lead & Copper, the City has posted the results of the 2022 Lead & Copper water sample testing below.
Needs updating
The City of Prescott is required to file an annual water withdrawal and use report with the State of Arizona.
These full reports are available for download from the Arizona Department of Water Resources website using the “Imaged Records” feature found under “Quick Links” at azwater.gov
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