PHOENIX (Dec. 16, 2024) — This December, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) proudly joins the nation in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), a landmark law that has protected public health by ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water for Americans since 1974. In honor of this milestone, ADEQ is excited to announce the completion of its statewide per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sampling project, a proactive initiative aimed at protecting Arizona residents from emerging contaminants in drinking water. ADEQ’s initiative, which complements EPA's fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule sampling effort, also ensured that many of Arizona’s regulated PWS have been sampled for PFAS well ahead of the Initial Monitoring Requirements deadline in the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation.

Key Findings:

• 88 percent of sampled PWSs meet compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) newly established drinking water standards for PFAS, which are called Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
• 12 percent of sampled systems exceeded at least one PFAS MCL, necessitating mitigation to protect public health.

“As we reflect on the achievements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, we celebrate its legacy by taking decisive action to address today’s challenges, including PFAS contamination,” said ADEQ Deputy Director Karen Peters. “The completion of our statewide PFAS sampling is a vital step toward ensuring that every Arizonan has access to safe, clean drinking water, particularly in our most vulnerable and underserved communities.”

Supporting Public Water Systems and Communities 

ADEQ’s sampling initiative prioritized small and rural water systems, which are often excluded from federally mandated testing under EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. This focus ensures that Arizona’s most vulnerable communities are prepared to meet the regulatory requirements of EPA’s newly established drinking water standards for PFAS.

Using the data ADEQ developed a PFAS Interactive Map, available on the agency’s website. This tool enables Arizonans to view sampling results and access educational resources to better understand the presence of PFAS in their water systems.

Looking Ahead

With this data, ADEQ will now focus on high-risk and disadvantaged water systems. Key priorities include:

• Expanding baseline data collection to ensure compliance with the EPA’s Initial Monitoring Requirements.
• Supporting mitigation efforts through technical guidance, state and federal funding, and treatment solutions such as advanced filtration technologies and alternative water sources.
• Continuing professional education and outreach to empower PWS and water professionals with knowledge about PFAS risks and solutions.

“ADEQ is committed to collaborating with public water systems, community stakeholders, and regulators to uphold the promise of the Safe Drinking Water Act,” said ADEQ Water Quality Division Director Trevor Baggiore. “ADEQ’s proactive PFAS initiative is just one example of how we are adapting to new challenges to protect Arizona’s water and the health of its residents for generations to come.”

The Legacy of the Safe Drinking Water Act

Signed into law on December 16, 1974, the SDWA established critical protections for drinking water quality across the United States, safeguarding millions of people from contaminants that threaten public health. The Act empowers states like Arizona to work with local water systems to ensure clean and reliable drinking water for all. Over the past 50 years the law has evolved to address emerging challenges, ensuring that water safety keeps pace with scientific advancements and environmental changes.

KEY SDWA ACHIEVEMENTS

Wide-reaching Protections: The SDWA safeguards drinking water for more than 90 percent of people living in the United States by regulating the more than 148,000 public water systems that supply.

Rigorous Standards: Tap water regulated under the SDWA is tested far more frequently and comprehensively than bottled water, which is overseen by the Food and Drug Administration.

Empowering States: The Act allows states like Arizona to tailor programs to meet local water quality challenges while adhering to robust federal standards.

Public Transparency: Annual Consumer Confidence Reports empower people with information about their water quality and potential contaminants.

Impact on Public Health: The SDWA has dramatically reduced waterborne illnesses by regulating contaminants like lead, PFAS, and harmful pathogens.

For more information about ADEQ’s PFAS Sampling Project, the Safe Drinking Water Act, or Arizona’s efforts to address PFAS contamination| | View PFAS Resources >

Background and Resources:

• Commendation by the Governor of the State of Arizona Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act | View >
• ADEQ's Statewide PFAS Sampling Project: Closeout Report | View >
• ADEQ PFAS in Drinking Water | View >
• Safe Drinking Water Coloring Sheet | View >
• PFAS What You Should Know | View >

Contact: 

ADEQ Public Information Officer
Ph: 480-670-0568 (cell) 
Email >