1 in 3 Tucsonans exposed to historic water contamination still report signs of psychological trauma
Residents of Tucson's south side might remember drinking from the garden hose and bathing their children in tap water. For years, that water was contaminated with industrial solvents that had leaked into the groundwater their wells drew from.
A new University of Arizona study reveals that one in three Tucsonans who consumed contaminated water in the 1970s and 1980s are still experiencing signs of post-traumatic stress, despite the water supply being discontinued four decades ago. Residents on the south side of Tucson, who drank from garden hoses and bathed children with tap water laced with industrial solvents, reported elevated levels of worry, sleep disturbances, and social isolation.
The study, published in the Journal of Health Psychology, surveyed 363 individuals who lived, worked, or attended school in the contaminated area prior to 1981, or whose parents did. Thirty-four percent of respondents met the threshold for post-traumatic stress symptoms, which includes avoidance of places linked to contamination, poor sleep, and a sense of disconnection.
Researchers compared these findings to another 35% of Los Angeles residents affected by wildfires in 2025. The study highlights the concept of collective trauma, where a shared devastating experience affects a community for generations. Community activists have used the results to advocate for institutional action, including a resolution from Tucson's Mayor and Council urging the Pima County Health Department to address the long-term impacts.
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