Public Notice
Current Event Status
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As referenced on page 2 of the customer notice sent on August 30, 2025; “GIVEN THE QUICK ACTIONS TAKEN, THIS EVENT IS CONSIDERED RESOLVED BY ADEQ. Your water is safe to drink.”
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Since that date, additional water sample results continue to be absent of E.coli.
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If you have additional questions, please contact Global Water at 866-940-1102 or customerservice@gwresources.com
September 16, 2025
Q. What additional operational steps have Global Water taken to ensure the system is safe?
A. Global Water took several steps to ensure your water system was operating properly and drinking water is safe. First, Global Water provided temporary additional chlorine disinfection throughout the distribution system. Second, Global Water verified all well slabs are intact and in good condition. Third, Global Water inspected and confirmed elements of the sanitary system were in place and operating as expected. This includes ensuring proper screening is intact on tanks and well. Fourth, Global Water conducted a field audit of backflow and cross connection devices to identify any issues, none were found.
Q. Is Global Water considering any process changes?
A. Yes. Global Water is investigating additional sampling laboratories to provide greater sampling flexibility in the future.
Q. Does Global Water have updated sampling results?
A. Yes. 26 water quality samples were taken thus far in September 2025, and all have been absent for E.coli.
Q. Does Global Water plan to coordinate further with the City of Maricopa?
A. Yes. Global Water is planning additional meetings to discuss emergency response planning and coordination for future events.
September 8, 2025
Event Details
Q. What are the details of the event?
A. On August 26, 2025, your water system took 13 routine samples to test for total coliform and E.coli. Each month, including August 2025, your water system takes 90 routine samples each month to test for total coliform and E.coli. The samples were transported to the third-party laboratory where they are analyzed. The test requires the samples to be incubated for 18 hours before they can be assessed to determine if total coliform or E.coli is present.
On August 27, 2025, after the third-party laboratory assessed the 13 samples, your water system was contacted to alert us that one sample was present for E.coli. In accordance with the Revised Total Coliform Rule – 40 CFR, Part 141, Subpart Y (RTCR) your water system contacted the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to alert the Agency of the results. ADEQ was informed that increased chlorination and flushing of the system would be in effect, in addition to conducting the required repeat samples within 24 hours as required by the RTCR.
The RTCR allows 24 hours to conduct repeat samples so the water system can investigate a potential source and conduct mitigating actions such as increasing chlorination and flushing. On August 28, 2025, repeat samples were collected in accordance with the RTCR which included a sample at the location of the original positive sample, 5 connections upstream and 5 connections downstream. These samples were taken in the morning and were transported to the third-party laboratory for analysis.
As an added precaution, your water system conducted additional sampling in the generalized area of the original positive sample which included another sample at the original positive location. These samples were completed in the afternoon and transported to a third-party laboratory for analysis.
On August 29, 2025, your water system received notice from the third-party laboratory (for samples collected in the morning on August 28) that all resamples including the sample taken at the original location were absent of E.coli. Your water system contacted ADEQ to alert them of the results.
We also received notice from the third-party laboratory that the afternoon samples taken as an added precaution were also absent of E.coli. We shared this additional information with ADEQ. As a result of repeat samples testing absent for E.coli, ADEQ advised us the water event was resolved, and we needed to notify our customers within 24 hours.
Preparations were made which included drafting the public notice, working with ADEQ on which customers needed to receive the public notice and approving the language of the public notice, as well as working through the process of how to notice the customers.
On the morning of August 30, 20205, we notified customers by distributing the public notice through media, email, and on our website, including notice to the City of Maricopa officials.
Q. Why didn’t Global Water notify customers after the single positive E.coli test was received?
A. If a positive E.coli test occurs, a public water system must follow these steps as required by ADEQ:
If E. coli tests positive:
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Contact ADEQ by the end of the business day or within 24 hours if the business day has already ended
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Take necessary repeats and triggered samples and notify your Compliance Assistance Coordinator about results
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Submit a copy of your system's MSSP to ADEQ, if you have not done so already
Repeat and triggered samples must be taken within 24 hours notification from the laboratory. If 24 hours falls on a weekend or holiday and your lab does not accept samples, contact ADEQ for a list of Arizona laboratories that accept weekend/holiday samples.
Source: WQD | DW | Revised Total Coliform Rule | ADEQ (azdeq.gov)
Q. How can bacteria enter a water distribution system?
A. Primarily two methods. First, it can occur through equipment failure, such as waterline breaks. Second, it can occur through storm events, such as heavy dust or rain, which Maricopa has experienced multiple times over the past month.
Q. How many samples were taken during the month of August, including the event itself and follow-up sampling?
A. Over 100 total samples were taken throughout the distribution system in the month of August, with only a single sample testing positive for E.coli. All follow-up samples tested negative for E.coli.
Q. Does your water system follow best practices on chlorinating the water supply to ensure disinfection?
A. Yes. Your water system is required to meet the requirements of the Ground Water Rule – 40 CFR Part 141 Subpart S. Under the Ground Water Rule, your water system is required to meet 4-log inactivation of viruses before or at the first customer in the distribution system. In order to comply with these requirements, your water system chlorinates the water and continuously monitors the chlorine concentration of the water before it enters the distribution system to ensure it continuously meets 4-log inactivation of viruses. Although ground water does not typically contain viruses, the Ground Water Rule was designed to ensure the safety of the water in the most critical conditions. To compare, E.coli bacteria are easily inactivated with chlorine due to the size of the bacteria as compared to viruses which are smaller in size and more difficult to inactivate with chlorine.
In accordance with the Ground Water Rule and the Revised Total Coliform Rule, your water system must confirm the chlorine concentration meets 4-log inactivation before it enters the distribution system. This is done daily with calibrated hand-held instruments. Chlorine residuals must also be taken every time a routine sample for total coliform and E.coli is taken and must be reported to ADEQ in approved state forms.
Q. Did test results for August samples also confirm the presence of chlorine concentration within the recommended range throughout the distribution system?
A. Yes, 3rd party laboratory test results also indicate proper chlorine concentrations within the recommended range.
Q. How else do you ensure proper chlorination?
A. Beyond sampling and testing, we also continuously monitor the operation of our chlorine disinfection system via remote monitoring technology, and that system confirms the continuous dosing of chlorine at proper concentration levels into the water supply throughout the entire month of August.
Regulation
Q. What government body regulates water quality?
A. All community public water systems the size of Maricopa are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA then delegates its authority to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality as the local agency.
Q. Are other cities (or private providers) water quality regulated by ADEQ?
A. Yes. ADEQ regulates all Arizona community water systems regardless of if the water is provided by a city, county, nonprofit or private water company.
Q. Does the Arizona Corporation Commission regulate water quality?
A. No.
Q. Does the City of Maricopa regulate water quality?
A. No.
Q. Did Global Water work with ADEQ during the event?
A. Yes. Global Water worked extensively with ADEQ during the entirety of the event. ADEQ’s approval is required on the initial sampling plan, any resampling process and any required customer notification.
Q. If I wanted to learn more, how can I contact ADEQ?
A. ADEQ can be reached at 602-771-2300 or 800-234-5677
Water Sampling
Q. Where does Maricopa’s drinking water come from?
A. Maricopa’s drinking water supply is sourced ground water supplied from various wells throughout the community. Each well must meet ADEQ design and construction standards for drinking water purposes before they can be used as sources of water for customers. Each well is inspected by ADEQ on a periodic basis.
Q. Does Global Water perform periodic water sampling to ensure water quality meets state and federal testing requirements?
A. Yes. Global Water conducts nearly 1,000 tests per year on water served in the City of Maricopa.
Q. What parameters does Global Water sample for?
A. Your water system is required to meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act which includes routine testing of the drinking water. As part of the Safe Drinking Water Act, your water system is required to meet the National Primary Drinking Water Standards which are listed in the 40 CFR, Title 41. Your water system takes nearly 1,000 water tests each year which includes tests for bacteria, inorganics chemicals, organic chemicals, etc. The results of these tests are submitted to ADEQ as required by rule. Information about your water is noted in the annual Consumer Confidence Report that is issued to our customers by notice before 1 July of each year.
Q. Does EPA/ADEQ have a standard operating procedure on how water sampling is to be completed?
A. Yes. Global Water follows this process for all water samples taken.
Q. Does Global Water have one sampling point for all water samples taken?
A. No, Global Water has numerous sampling points throughout Maricopa to ensure water quality is verified at multiple locations. These locations are approved by ADEQ as part of the Microbiological Site Sampling Plan.
Q. Where does Global Water send its water samples to be analyzed?
A. Global Water sends their samples to an independent third-party laboratory for analysis. The laboratory is required to follow approved standard testing methods as noted in the National Primary Drinking Water Standards 40 CFR, Title 141. The laboratory must also be state certified by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Q. How long do total coliform/E.coli tests take to process at the laboratory?
A. Depending on the method the laboratory uses, after the test has been set up for analysis, the incubation period is 18-24 hours. The method most commonly used by laboratories is the Colilert Presence-Absence Tests which is an approved EPA method and meets the requirements of Standards Methods 9221D.
Notification Process
Q. What Tier 1 notification process is required by ADEQ?
A. A Tier 1 notification is a notice that must be provided to customers after the confirmation of tests that require a Tier 1 notification. The notice must be distributed through at least one the following methods: 1/Personal delivery to customers 2/Post in Public Places 3/Through media outlets such as television, radio or newspapers or 4/An alternative communication method approved by an agency with primary authority (ADEQ).
Q. What notification process did Global Water choose for this event?
A. Global Water utilized distribution through the media by notifying InMaricopa and Pinal Central, and by email.
Q. Did Global Water undertake any other voluntary notification measures?
A. Yes. Global Water took multiple voluntary steps to alert customers. First, Global Water wrote a detailed cover letter explaining the event and provided a map of the impacted areas. Second, Global Water created a dedicated webpage to post the notice. Third, we opened up our call center with special weekend availability, the call center was open all day Saturday (8/30) and half day Sunday (8/31). As previously noted, the company also sent an email to all impacted customers that had emails on file. Global Water also notified the Maricopa City Council.
Posted: September 8, 2025
August 30, 2025
Global Water - Santa Cruz Water Company, Inc. Customer Notice
At Global Water, public health and safety is our top priority and we have an exceptional compliance record that we are very proud of. Part of ensuring public health and safety is remaining in compliance with all safe drinking water regulations. To ensure this, we take nearly 1,000 water quality samples annually from our public water system in the City of Maricopa.
During recent routine monitoring, which consisted of dozens of samples from August 26th through August 28th, we received notification from our 3rd party laboratory that a water sample did not meet regulatory requirements. This sample result requires us to issue the attached Tier 1 Advisory to customers served within a specific area of our regional system that received the positive test result. Please read the advisory that addresses the matter. The matter is FULLY RESOLVED.
In addition to the notice, we wanted to provide additional information for transparency and clarification.
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On August 27th, Global Water received sample results from testing on August 26th. At one sample location, the result indicated the presence of E. Coli bacteria.
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In response, we took proactive steps to ensure system compliance including activities such as flushing and supplemental disinfection.
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Subsequently, following regulatory protocol, additional samples were taken on August 28th. The results received on August 29th came back absent for E. Coli, thus the event is resolved.
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Bacterial contamination can occur after increased run-off occurs following periods of heavy rain or dust storms, or a failure in water treatment process.
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It is important to note that there is no evidence of any system or operational failure, as all water systems performed as designed through the recent storm events, and we continuously disinfected all potable water in accordance with state and federal requirements, maintaining safe disinfection residuals throughout the system.
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Throughout the event we have been in communications with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (“ADEQ”) and kept them informed of the situation. ADEQ regulates Global Water’s utilities in Pinal County, enforcing stringent requirements to ensure all drinking water meets safe drinking water standards.
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We have also reached out to the Arizona Corporation Commission, as well as the City of Maricopa to advise them of the event.
We will continue to monitor and ensure all samples continue to meet all regulatory requirements, a track record we have demonstrated with over 20 years of safe, reliable service in Maricopa.
For more information, including a map that shows the specific area of effected customers, please visit our website at https://www.gwresources.com/update.
For more detail questions, customers can email customerservice@gwresources.com.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
For Global Water - Santa Cruz Water Company, Inc. PWS AZ 04-11-131
Bacteriological (E.coli) Advisory in Your Drinking Water
The Global Water - Santa Cruz Water Company, Inc. PWS AZ 04-11-131 is issuing this notice to inform our customers that E.coli bacteria was found at one location of the water system on the 26th of August 2025. As our customers, you have a right to know what happened and the actions we took to resolve the issue. These bacteria can make you sick and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems.
Bacteriological contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water supply (for example, following heavy rains and dust storms). It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment system.
What Happened?
On the 26th of August 2025, 13 routine samples were collected for bacteriological testing. On the 27th of August 2025, we learned one of those samples was E.coli positive. Chlorination of the system was increased and flushing the system was conducted in the area of the positive test. As required by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (“ADEQ”), repeat samples were taken within 24 hours on the 28th of August 2025. We conducted a 1st set of repeat sampling in the morning and a 2nd set of repeat sampling in the afternoon at the original location of the E.coli positive and at locations upstream and downstream while continuing to flush the system. On the 29th of August 2025, we received notice that all samples collected on the 29th of August 2025 were E.coli negative.
What should I do? What does this mean?
GIVEN THE QUICK ACTIONS TAKEN, THIS EVENT IS CONSIDERED RESOLVED BY ADEQ. Your water is
safe to drink. Customers are advised to discard or boil any water collected prior to August 29, 2025. Examples of collected water would be carboys, water pitchers, etc. Customers are also advised to flush stagnant faucets through their household. If you choose to boil your water, bring all water to a rolling boil for a minimum of three minutes, and let it cool before using. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. You may also use bottled water.
*Fecal coliforms and E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.*
The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking this water.
Also, if you have a compromised immune system, have an infant, or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice about drinking water from your health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
What is being done?
We have been in communication with ADEQ and kept them informed during this event and as indicated above, this event is considered resolved by ADEQ. An investigation of the system revealed there was NO evidence of a system failure or operational failure and chlorine levels continue to be maintained at safe levels for disinfection. We will continue to take routine samples for bacteriological testing, and we will inform you if there is any additional issues that may arise.
For more information, please contact Customer Service at 866-940-1102 or customerservice@gwresources.com. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.*
This notice is being sent to you by Global Water - Santa Cruz Water Company, Inc. State Water System ID#: AZ04-11-131
Date distributed: 30 August 2025
