Contaminants Found in Rooftop Harvested Rainwater in Tucson, Arizona - Sonora Environmental Research Institute, Inc.

For the past six years we have collaborated with University of Arizona’s Project Harvest to examine levels of contamination in residential harvested rainwater.

We collected and analyzed over 3,000 rainwater samples by partnering with 150 families in Tucson whom are disproportionately impacted by climate change and pollution.

The findings show there is increased contamination in rainwater during Tucson’s monsoon season and location is a big factor in level of contamination. Rainwater samples contain lead, arsenic, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS).

To learn about the research study and results, read the full article, From the skies to your roof, what does a raindrop pick up along the way?