Do you ever wonder what’s in your drinking water? Numerous voices are claiming various things about water. Do you know who to trust?
Jon Owens from Rosie on the House Certified Partner AquaZona is here to help Arizona homeowners better understand what’s in their water and how to improve it. With decades of local expertise, Jon breaks down the process step by step – from testing to treatment – so you can make confident, informed decisions about your home’s water quality.
Q: How do I learn what’s in my water?
If you’re on a public water system, the best place to start is your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which is a report required by law. This report is available on your local water provider’s website and is typically included with your water bill at the end of the year. For a third-party perspective, visit ewg.org/tapwater, where you can enter your zip code and select your water provider to view a detailed analysis of the contaminants in your water.
“The things AquaZona tests for during an on-site visit are chlorine, pH, total hardness, total dissolved solids, water pressure, etc. Beyond that, most testing must be conducted in a lab. The reason I recommend testing for those things is because those are the most common found in our water,” Owens said. “The thing that most people do is go by smell and taste, but those are the poorest indicators of water quality – there’s more to the story.”
If you rely on private or shared well water, you’ll want to obtain a copy of your Well Driller Report and Well Log, which are filed with the Arizona Department of Water Resources. For any health-related concerns, the U.S. EPA strongly recommends comprehensive testing by an EPA-certified laboratory. A complete test should include a wide range of potential contaminants such as nitrate, nitrite, iron, chloride, manganese, hardness, sodium, fluoride, pH, tannins, copper, lead, conductivity, alkalinity, pesticides, BNLT, arsenic (with a request for species type and concentration), radon, radionuclides, PFAS, PFOA, PFBS, HFPO, and GenX chemicals.
“The most accurate way to find out what’s in your water is through testing; that way, you know exactly what’s in there. It’s crucially valuable information,” Owens said
Q: How do I know what I can do to address water issues?
The U.S. EPA’s website, epa.gov, provides a wealth of information, including Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for specific substances found in water. You’ll also find Best Available Technologies (BAT) listed there, which are considered the most effective treatment solutions for each contaminant.
Q: How do I know what equipment or technology will work?
To ensure you’re using effective and safe products, look for water treatment systems certified by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) or bearing the WQA (Water Quality Association) Gold Seal. These certifications confirm that the equipment has been tested to meet strict NSF performance standards. You can learn more about the Gold Seal program at wqa.org/Gold.
Q: How do I choose the right water system for my needs?
Once you’ve evaluated your water quality and researched treatment options, it’s essential to work with a licensed and trusted professional.
- All approved methods of water treatment and qualified companies can be found on the Water Quality Association’s and NSF websites.
- All Rosie On The House Certified Partners have a valid AZROC license, as well as proper bonding and insurance, and are thoroughly vetted according to trade standards.
- Homeowners should take several steps to learn about a company that Rosie has not vetted. Look up the AZROC and ensure they are licensed, bonded, and insured.
“One of the common questions people ask is, ‘If I don’t have a soft water loop, can I have a soft water system?’ A soft water loop is usually added during construction of the home – it’s a simple detour from the main water service and is provided by the builder,” Owens said. “I’d say about 20 percent of homes have the loop built in; 80 percent don’t, so one of the things we do during an on-site visit is investigate how we can add one. “
Q: What can improve with AquaZona Kinetico water?
Upgrading your water, by adding a whole house water treatment system, can have a wide-ranging impact throughout your home. A whole house system includes de-chlorinization, filtration, water softening and improved drinking water. You will notice better tasting drinks and meals from the water filtration. 
The water softener will lead to longer lasting water- using appliances and softer laundry, towels and skin. Another benefit is reduced spotting on dishes and glasses, as well as less soap scum in tubs and sinks. Softened water also protects your plumbing, fixtures and faucets.
Overall cleaning efficiency improves as you’ll use less soap and detergent. Everything from your morning coffee and baby formula to your houseplants and pets will benefit from cleaner, softer water.
Q: What is a Water Audit, and how does it help?
A Water Audit is a professional assessment that helps you understand your water quality and determine the most effective, budget-friendly solution for your home.
“After the client has done their homework and research with the materials mentioned above, we go to the home for an on-site test. We start with the pipe size at the point of entry, construction, water pressure, and we look at things like the water heater(s), laundry, etc.,” Owens said. “If they have any water quality reports, we integrate those to provide options that are best for that particular application.”
Bonus Tip: Advanced water tech readers should know about
On the drinking water side, AquaZona has a device called a K5® Drinking Water Station that can remove every known contaminant, including viruses and bacteria, at 99.999999 percent.
“So, for example, if the zombie apocalypse happens and there’s no running water or electricity, if you have a generator or an aquarium pump, you can source water out of the ditch or the pool, run it through the K5, and provide drinking water!” Owens said.
An assessment by Aquazona is provided to homeowners after an on-site visit. This visit also provides the homeowner a hands-on opportunity to experience the difference that improved water can make in your home through taste, touch, and smell. To learn more, visit aquazona.com.
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CONTENT PARTNER | AQUAZONA
Founded in 1987, AquaZona has proudly provided water quality solutions to Phoenix and surrounding communities. Our Arizona H2O serves a variety of purposes, from cleaning to hydration. AquaZona believes everyone deserves access to high-quality water — we put that belief into action by providing you with efficient Kinetico systems.
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