The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is more than 110 years old. Phoenix’s water and sewer rates remain among the lowest of large cities nationwide. Water Services serves 1.7 million Phoenix tap water customers throughout 550 square miles, and 2.5 million area residents with wastewater treatment. Phoenix’s 12,000 miles of water and sewer lines would stretch almost halfway around the plane
t. Infrastructure also includes seven treatment plants, 55,000 fire hydrants and 90,000 manholes. Phoenix’s tap water supply, which starts primarily as snow, is in very good shape due to decades of planning and multiple water sources; primarily the Salt, Verde and Colorado Rivers. Nearly all of the city’s treated wastewater is reused on crops, wetlands and energy production. More than five million tests and measurements are performed each year to meet or surpass water quality regulations.