TAP WATER QUALITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA MAIN CAMPUS

Abstract

Meeting drinking water quality standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) is essential for protecting public health. This paper describes analyses performed for detection of trace metals, perfluoroalkyl substances, and coliform bacteria in the tap water of the 10 oldest buildings on the University of Arizona’s main campus. All analyzed water met State of Arizona water quality standards, suggesting that current maintenance and monitoring of both campus tap water and Tucson Water’s wells should continue, in order to ensure that the water that is delivered to consumers remains safe to drink. Further sampling and research are necessary to determine if all of the buildings on the campus have the same high quality of tap water.