ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV

Jon Owens from AquaZona is here to help Arizona homeowners better understand what’s in their water and how to improve it. With decades of local expertise, Jon breaks down the process step by step — from testing to treatment — so you can make confident, informed decisions about your home’s water quality.

Q: How do I learn

what’s in my water?A: If you’re on a public water system, the best place to start is your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which is a report required by law. This report is available on your local water provider’s website and is typically included with your water bill at the end of the year. For a third-party perspective, visit , where you can enter your zip code and select your water provider to view a detailed analysis of the contaminants in your water.

“The things AquaZona tests for during an on-site visit are chlorine, pH, total hardness, total absolved solids, water pressure, etc. Beyond that, most testing must be conducted in a lab. The reason I recommend testing for those things is because those are the most common found in our water,� Owens said. “The thing that most people do is go by smell and taste, but those are the poorest indicators of water quality — there’s more to the story.�

If you rely on private or shared well water, you’ll want to obtain a copy of your Well Driller Report and Well Log, which are filed with the Arizona Department of Water Resources. For any health-related concerns, the U.S. EPA strongly recommends comprehensive testing by an EPA-certified laboratory. A complete test should include a wide range of potential contaminants such as nitrate, nitrite, iron, chloride, manganese, hardness, sodium, fluoride, pH, tannins, copper, lead, conductivity, alkalinity, pesticides, BNLT, arsenic (with a request for species type and concentration), radon, radionuclides, PFAS, PFOA, PFBS, HFPO, and GenX chemicals.

“The most accurate way to find out what’s in your water is through testing; that way, you know exactly what’s in there. It’s crucially valuable information,� Owens said

Q: How do I know

what I can do to

address water issues?A: The EPA’s website, , provides a wealth of information, including Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for specific substances found in water. You’ll also find Best Available Technologies (BAT) listed there, which are considered the most effective treatment solutions for each contaminant.

Q: How do I know

what equipment or technology will work?A: To ensure you’re using effective and safe products, look for water treatment systems certified by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) or bearing the WQA (Water Quality Association) Gold Seal. These certifications confirm that the equipment has been tested to meet strict NSF performance standards. You can learn more about the Gold Seal program at .

Q: How do I choose

the right water

system for my needs?A: Once you’ve evaluated your water quality and researched treatment options, it’s essential to work with a licensed and trusted professional.

1. All approved methods of water treatment and qualified companies can be found on the Water Quality Association’s and NSF websites.

2. All Rosie On The House Certified Partners have a valid AZROC license, as well as proper bonding and insurance, and are thoroughly vetted according to trade standards.

3. Homeowners should take several steps to learn about a company that Rosie has not vetted. Look up the AZROC and ensure they are licensed, bonded, and insured.

Q: What is a Water Audit, and how does it help?A: A Water Audit is a professional assessment that helps you understand your water quality and determine the most effective, budget-friendly solution for your home.

“After the client has done their homework and research with the materials mentioned above, we go to the home for an on-site test. We start with the pipe size at the point of entry, construction, water pressure, and we look at things like the water heater(s), laundry, etc.,� Owens said. “If they have any water quality reports, we integrate those to provide options that are best for that particular application.�