Utilities Department
The Utilities Department for the Town of Florence strives to provide our community with reliable and safe water and wastewater services. Our team of certified water operators is responsible for maintaining and repairing the water distribution system, collecting water quality samples, and overseeing the operation of five active well sites. These wells supply approximately 1.4 million gallons of water daily to the community. The Town’s water service area extends east of Felix Road, while EPCOR utilities service the area to the west
Our certified wastewater staff manages two wastewater treatment facilities – the North Plant and the South Plant. These facilities treat wastewater to meet environmental standards with a focus on groundwater recharge. Our dedicated team works to ensure that these essential services are performed efficiently and consistently, supporting the overall community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Water Resources and Conservation
The Town of Florence’s drinking water originates exclusively from groundwater sources. Groundwater is pumped from a combination of the four potable drinking wells located throughout the water distribution system. Water is either pumped directly into the distribution system or pumped to fill a water storage tank for future use. To learn more about Florence’s water supplies, visit https://www.florenceaz.gov/water-resource/
No. The Town of Florence holds a 100-year Designation of Assured Water Supply from the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). This designation is granted to water providers who can demonstrate the following seven criteria for 100 years: Physical water availability, continuous water availability, legal water availability, satisfactory water quality, financial capability, consistency with the Pinal Active Management Area (AMA) Management Plan, and consistency with the Pinal AMA Management Goal. To learn more about ADWR’s Assured Water Supply Program, visit https://www.azwater.gov/aaws/aaws-overview
A water shortage occurs when there is not enough water to meet demand. Many Arizonans receive their drinking water from the Colorado River, in which the first shortage was declared in 2022. This shortage is a result of long-term drought, changes to climate, and the over-allocation of the Colorado River between the upper and lower basins. Arizona water providers that rely on this water source have invested in alternative water supplies and implemented conservation programs. To learn more about the Colorado River shortage, visit https://www.cap-az.com/water/water-supply/adapting-to-drought/colorado-river-reductions/
The Town of Florence has an annual surface water allocation to the Colorado River that is distributed via the Central Arizona Project (CAP). Surface water is highly susceptible to contamination and generally requires more treatment than groundwater to achieve regulated drinking water standards. The Town of Florence opts to recharge its water to earn Long-Term Storage Credits. These ‘credits’ are earned when water is stored underground for more than one year and grant the water provider the ability to use them at a later date. To learn more about long-term storage credits, visit https://www.azwater.gov/recharge/accounting
In case of an emergency, the Town of Florence has a Drought Management Plan included within the Town’s municipal code that provides a set of guidelines to manage the Town’s water. This Drought Management Plan may be implemented if there are severe water system limitations, structural failure, or a catastrophic incident that threatens the existing water supply or water delivery system. To view the stages of the Town of Florence’s Drought Management Plan, visit https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/florenceaz/latest/florence_az/0-0-0-1417
Water Quality
Yes. All public drinking water systems, including the Town of Florence, must follow the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act and comply with all regulations set forth by state and federal agencies. A water quality report, or Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), is published annually by the Town of Florence to inform residents about where their water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to nationwide standards. To view the Town of Florence’s current and previous CCRs, visit https://www.florenceaz.gov/water-quality/
The Town of Florence applies chlorine at entry points to the distribution system as a disinfectant to achieve regulated drinking water standards. Enough must be added to meet regulations and to create enough residual chlorine to ensure that water is protected from recontamination further in the distribution system. The volume of chlorine residual allowed in water distribution systems is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and monitored daily by Town staff. To learn more about the EPA’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/national-primary-drinking-water-regulations#Disinfectants
The corrosion of lead pipes can cause lead to enter drinking water. Lead pipes are most likely to be found in buildings and homes that were constructed before they were prohibited in 1986. Lead is not often detected as a natural contaminant in Arizona. To learn more about lead in drinking water, visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#:~:text=in%20Drinking%20Water-,How%20Lead%20Gets%20into%20Drinking%20Water,pipes%2C%20faucets%2C%20and%20fixtures.
You can determine if your home could still have lead plumbing by identifying the material of your home’s service line. Service lines are the pipe that connects the water main to the inlet of a building or home.
To identify the material of your service line, locate the above-ground portion outside your home. If your service line is painted or has any corrosion on the surface, use a coin or other tool to expose a small area of metal. If the scratched area is shiny and silver, your service line could be lead. To double-check, try sticking a magnet to the pipe. A magnet will not stick to lead pipe. To learn more, visit https://www.florenceaz.gov/water-quality/
The Town of Florence is requesting that all residents within our service area report the material of their service line to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) revised Lead and Copper Rule. Residents may report the material of their service line by completing the Service Line Survey at https://tof.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c561122ea52f4e4e9c2168f113bb87f4
Children and adults are both vulnerable to the adverse health effects of lead. Lead exposure can lead to damage to the brain, injury to soft tissue and organs, and can interfere with the formation of blood. Children are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead as their brain and central nervous system may not be fully developed yet. To learn more about the health effects of lead exposure, visit https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/health-effects.htm
If you have a lead service line or lead plumbing in your home, it can be replaced with a safe material, or you can take action to minimize your exposure. Installing a “point-of-use” filter in the kitchen can reduce exposure to water used for drinking and cooking. You can also let the water run before using it. The longer water sits in lead pipes, the more lead it could contain.
Only drink or cook with water that comes out of the tap cold. Water that comes out of the tap warm could have higher lead levels. Boiling your water will not reduce the amount of lead in your water. Human skin does not absorb lead so bathing and showering in water containing lead is usually safe.
To learn more about how to lower your risk from possible lead pipes, visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#:~:text=in%20Drinking%20Water-,How%20Lead%20Gets%20into%20Drinking%20Water,pipes%2C%20faucets%2C%20and%20fixtures.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are generally known as PFAS. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment and persist over time. Historically, PFAS have been used in products such as stain & water-resistant clothing/products, nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, food packaging, paints & sealants, and pesticides. Consuming and using products containing PFAS can cause health issues such as increased cholesterol levels, reduced immune response, increased risk of cancer, reduced chance of pregnancy, hormonal interference, and developmental delays in children. To learn more about PFAS, visit https://www.epa.gov/pfas
The Town of Florence began monitoring PFAS levels in our drinking water since 2023 in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5). The Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation was announced on April 10, 2024. This final regulation established legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six different PFAS commonly found in drinking water. The Town of Florence falls below the MCL for all currently regulated PFAS.
Town of Florence UCMR 5 results can be viewed using the EPAs UCMR 5 Data Finder at https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fifth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule-data-finder
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974 as a set of regulations to ensure water quality across the country. The SDWA requires that an annual water quality report, or Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), be created and distributed to all water customers to provide them with details about where their water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to the nationwide standards created by regulatory agencies. To view the Town of Florence’s current and previous CCRs, visit https://www.florenceaz.gov/water-quality/
Precautionary Boil Water Advisories
What is a precautionary boil water advisory?
A precautionary boil water advisory is a public announcement by a water utility advising water users to boil tap water before consumption. These advisories are put into effect when circumstances arise that could lead to possible microbial contamination in the water system. In these instances, boiling water can help protect public health from waterborne pathogens and diseases.
These advisories are precautionary. They do not mean that the Town’s drinking water has been confirmed to be contaminated by microorganisms or pathogens. Precautionary boil water advisories are a means to ensure that water users stay safe under certain circumstances identified by the Safe Drinking Water Act and federal regulations.
The Public Notification Rule (PNR) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires that water providers notify the public when there is a possibility their water could be unsafe to drink. A precautionary boil water advisory is a means to comply with this rule and notify the public when potentially unsafe circumstances arise. These circumstances are identified in CFR §141.202 and include the confirmed presence of fecal coliform or E. coli, certain Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations, violations of the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), failure or significant interruption in key water treatment processes, natural disasters that disrupt water distribution, or unexpected loading of possible pathogens in source water.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines pressure loss as a distribution system with pressure less than 20psi. Loss of pressure can occur by broken water mains, clogged pipes, equipment failure, or loss of power. The loss of pressure in a water distribution system introduces the potential for the introduction of contaminants through back siphonage (the reverse flow of water caused by negative pressure), pipe joints, and holes in the pipe.
Boiling water is an inexpensive method to make water safer to drink during circumstances in which there is a possible chance of microbial contamination. Many organisms cannot survive at water’s boiling point of 212°F as they begin to die between 140°F and 165°F. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for 1-3 minutes before use.
Reverse osmosis filters are not designed for removing biological pathogens although they can potentially reduce them. Boiling your water even with a filter is recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as it increases the likelihood that possible microorganisms are eliminated before drinking. Filters collect germs from water and all water filters should be replaced after a boil water advisory is lifted.
During a precautionary boil water advisory tap water cannot be consumed but can be used for bathing, laundry, and hand washing. When bathing or showering, be careful to keep water out of your eyes, mouth, and open wounds. Sponge baths are recommended for babies and young children to reduce the likelihood of them swallowing water. When washing your hands, be sure to scrub them with soap for at least 20 seconds and rinse them under running water. Laundry can be done as usual.
If possible, disposable plates, cups, and utensils can be used to eliminate risk during a precautionary boil advisory. It is usually safe to use your dishwasher if it has a sanitizing cycle or if it reaches a final rinse temperature of at least 150°. If you must wash your dishes by hand you should wash and rinse them with as usual with hot water, soak them in a separate basin with one teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach per gallon of warm water for at least one minute, and then allow them to air dry.
To brush your teeth during a boil water advisory you must use boiled or bottled water.
Just like humans, pets can get sick from potential contamination during a precautionary boil water advisory. Give your pets bottled water or boiled water that has cooled.
You can receive notifications and updates concerning a precautionary boil water advisory by signing up for the Town of Florence Alert System. You can register for alerts by clicking here. Notifications and updates will also be communicated to the public through the official Town of Florence Facebook page. The Town of Florence Facebook page can be viewed by clicking here.
A precautionary boil water advisory can be lifted once laboratory testing confirms the water is safe to drink and meets all water quality standards. Once a precautionary boil water advisory is lifted, water users are notified, and the affected portions of the water distribution system are disinfected before being put back into service.
General
The Town of Florence was founded in 1866 and is the sixth-oldest non-Native American settlement in the State of Arizona. Most water breaks in the Town of Florence are caused by aging infrastructure and accidents at construction sites. A goal of the Florence Public Works Department is to continue upgrading aging water mains and to install more valves to lessen the number of residents affected by water outages. All Town of Florence water mains and appurtenances can be viewed at https://tof.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=03cb9d2c0e0e435e828cb8d4c9f3fedc
Contact Us
Address:
444 N. Warner Street
PO Box 2670
Florence, AZ 85132
Phone: 520-868-7620
Fax: 520-868-7639
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 6 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Water Reports and Tips
2023 Consumer Confidence Report.pdf (2.15 Mb)
2022 Consumer Confidence Report.pdf (1.95 Mb)
2021 Consumer Confidence Report.pdf (211.92 Kb)
2020 Consumer Confidence Report.pdf (129.78 Kb)
2019 Consumer Confidence Report.pdf (1.39 Mb)
2018 Consumer Confidence Report.pdf (2.76 Mb)
2017 Consumer Confidence Report.pdf (2.68 Mb)
2016 Consumer Confidence Report.pdf (1.82 Mb)
2015 Consumer Confidence Report.pdf (309.28 Kb)
2014 Consumer Confidence Report.pdf (251.07 Kb)
2012 Consumer Confidence Report.pdf (255.24 Kb)
2011 Consumer Confidence Report.pdf (76.3 Kb)
2010 Consumer Confidence Report.pdf (2 Mb)
Utilities Staff
| Timm Wainscott | Utilities Superintendent | |||
| Daniel Ortega | Field Foreman | |||
| Paige Gangloff | Water Resource Analyst |