Jan. 15, 2008
Contact: Pat Dodds, Public Affairs Officer, 480-312-2336
City traces tinge in Chaparral plant water to change in canal source
A slight tinge in drinking water reported by residents in a portion of Scottsdale was caused by seasonal changes in source water from the Arizona Canal, and the water remains safe and within all federal standards.
The city received about a dozen calls early this week from residents served by the Chaparral Water Treatment Plant. The area currently served by the plant is between Indian School and Jackrabbit roads, from 82nd Street on the west to just east of Granite Reef Road.
The city’s Water Resources Department traced the issue to source water the plant receives from the canal, and the department is making treatment adjustments.
Tests by the department confirmed the water treated at the plant remains well within federal safe drinking water standards and no health issues are associated with the slight color.
The tinge is yellowish and difficult to see. Customers may notice it if they use a large quantity of water in a white container or fixture, such as a bathtub.
Operators at the Chaparral plant have made adjustments in the filtration process and expect that the issue will be resolved by Wednesday, Jan. 14.
The Water Resources Department currently is treating about 50 million gallons daily at all of its treatment facilities. Of that amount, the Chaparral plant currently is treating about 6 million gallons daily.
Water customers who would like additional information can call the Water Resources Department at (480) 312-5650.