Tap Water Quality in the US: A State-by-State Ranking
Americans are increasingly concerned about the quality of their tap water. Recent studies show that a significant portion of Americans worry more about safe drinking water than other pressing environmental issues. This growing concern is reflected in the rising costs of water and sewer bills nationwide, with a typical US household experiencing a 54.8% increase since 2012. J.D. Power’s latest U.S. Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study sheds light on the variability of tap water quality across the United States, ranking states based on customer satisfaction with water quality.
Key Takeaways:
- Washington State boasts the best tap water in the US, with 84.5% of customers expressing satisfaction with its quality. The state’s proactive efforts to address PFAS ("forever chemicals") contamination have contributed to its high ranking.
- Arizona faces the challenge of having the worst tap water in the US, with customer complaints about water hardness being a primary concern.
- The study highlights a regional trend: Southern states tend to struggle with lower tap water quality, with several states in the region ranking among the bottom 10.
- Water hardness, due to dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, is a significant factor impacting water quality.
Washington: A Model for Water Quality
Washington State leads the nation in tap water quality, earning top marks for taste, color, odor, and overall satisfaction. This achievement is attributed to the state’s commitment to addressing water quality issues proactively. In 2021, Washington launched a program focused on tackling PFAS contamination in drinking water, a major concern for many states. The state’s Department of Health further established a dashboard in 2023, providing residents with transparent information about PFAS levels in their tap water.
Beyond the EPA’s regulations, Washington moved to adopt a stricter drinking water standard for PFAS, demonstrating its dedication to protecting residents from potential health risks associated with these chemicals. This proactive approach has resulted in high levels of customer satisfaction, solidifying Washington’s position as the state with the best tap water in the country.
Arizona: A State in Need of Improvement
Arizona faces the challenge of having the lowest customer satisfaction rating for tap water quality in the US. The study revealed that water hardness is the primary source of customer grievances. Residents complain about water damage to pipes, residue buildup, and an unpleasant smell and color.
Water hardness is a measure of the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water. Higher levels of these minerals contribute to hardness, leading to a range of problems, including scaling in pipes and appliances, and an unpleasant taste and odor in water.
Arizona’s struggles with water hardness are a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many communities across the country. The state will need to prioritize efforts to address water hardness problems to improve customer satisfaction and ensure access to high-quality drinking water for its residents.
A Regional Pattern: Southern States Lag Behind
While Arizona stands out as having the worst tap water in the US, the study reveals a trend of lower tap water quality among states in the Southern region. With the exception of Georgia and Louisiana, which rank among the top 10 states for water quality, the majority of Southern states find themselves in the bottom half of the rankings.
This regional pattern raises questions about the contributing factors behind Southern states’ lower water quality ratings. Potential contributing factors could include:
- Infrastructure challenges: Aging water infrastructure can contribute to problems like lead contamination and water hardness, leading to lower water quality.
- Environmental factors: Climate change and drought can strain water resources, impacting water quality, especially in regions already facing water stress.
- Regulatory differences: Variations in water quality regulations across states could contribute to discrepancies in water quality outcomes.
Further investigation is needed to understand the specific factors contributing to lower water quality in Southern states. However, the trend highlights the need for increased attention to water quality issues in these regions to ensure access to safe and reliable drinking water for all residents.
The Importance of Addressing Water Hardness
The J.D. Power study underscores the significant impact of water hardness on customer satisfaction with water quality. From Arizona’s low ranking to customer complaints across the country, water hardness emerges as a recurring concern.
Water hardness can cause a range of problems, including:
- Pipe corrosion and scaling: Hard water minerals can build up inside pipes, reducing water flow and potentially leading to pipe failure.
- Appliance damage: Scale buildup can damage appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.
- Soap scum formation: Hard water reacts with soap, leaving behind a greasy residue that can make cleaning difficult.
- Skin and hair problems: Hard water can irritate skin and hair, leading to dryness and itchiness.
Addressing water hardness is crucial for improving water quality and reducing customer grievances. Solutions include:
- Water softeners: These devices use ion exchange technology to remove calcium and magnesium from water, reducing its hardness.
- Water filters: Some water filters can remove minerals contributing to water hardness and improve water taste and odor.
Adjusting water treatment practices: Water utilities can adjust their water treatment processes to reduce water hardness levels.
By prioritizing solutions to water hardness problems, states and water utilities can significantly improve the quality of tap water and enhance customer satisfaction.
