Testing the water quality also helps CAP determine if there is anything that can be done to minimize changes in water quality throughout the year, to protect the integrity of water used for recharge, and to help ensure the water will be usable in the future. Like most sources of surface water, CAP water displays high levels of calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, sodium, and sulfate. Although increased hardness may cause additional scaling of plumbing, there is a large body of scientific information showing that high levels of hardness contribute to the development of stronger bone structure and prevention of some cardiovascular disorders. Bicarbonate refers to the alkalinity of the water. High alkalinity is especially important for fish because it helps neutralize acid rain and other wastes by preventing rapid pH changes.
Sodium is a very soluble, natural ingredient of water.
Sulfate, like bicarbonate, is a natural ingredient of water directly correlated to hardness. High levels of sulfates do not cause any long-term ill effects, however, they generally produce a detectable taste and odor. CAP customers who test and treat the water, cities and water utilities, must be in full compliance with EPA standards for drinking water before delivering water to homes and businesses. The introduction of CAP water into the Tucson area last year raised several issues. The U.S. EPA regulates the quality of drinking water using mandatory and voluntary drinking water standards.