Phoenix Secures Federal Funding for Advanced Water Purification

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The new advanced water purification facility in Phoenix aims to enhance water sustainability.

News Summary

Phoenix is set to receive nearly $180 million in federal funding for the construction of a new advanced water purification facility aimed at enhancing water sustainability in the city. The initiative will enable the treatment of approximately 8 million gallons of recycled water daily. The funding is part of broader efforts to reduce reliance on Colorado River water and address the ongoing water scarcity issues faced in Arizona.

Phoenix is set to benefit from nearly $180 million in federal funding designated for a new advanced water purification facility. The announcement came on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, signaling a significant step towards enhancing water sustainability in the city. This funding will partially cover the design and construction expenses associated with the North Gateway Advanced Water Purification Facility.

Once completed, the facility will have the capacity to treat approximately 8 million gallons of recycled water daily. In conjunction with planned upgrades to the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant, the city aims to produce a total of about 12.5 million gallons of clean water each day. Such advancements are critical for reducing Phoenix’s dependence on water sourced from the Colorado River and are expected to decrease the costs associated with obtaining clean water for residents.

The Advanced Water Purification (AWP) process involves recycling wastewater into drinking water, ensuring that it meets or surpasses federal and local drinking water standards. This innovative technology received approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality in March 2025, indicating a reinforcement of water management strategies amid ongoing drought issues faced in the region.

The project funding comprises $179 million in federal money, significantly lower than the $292 million initially approved in the autumn of 2024. However, this federal allocation supplements the city’s own contribution of $321 million, reflecting a robust investment in the area’s water infrastructure. This funding initiative forms part of the broader goals of the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act.

Phoenix faces pressing water challenges due to escalating drought conditions, prompting local leaders to explore various means of securing reliable water supplies. U.S. Representative Greg Stanton remarked on the necessity of addressing ongoing drought conditions, pointing out its vital role in Arizona’s economic development. By implementing advanced purification processes, the city aims to lessen its reliance on the diminishing resources of the Colorado River.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego emphasizes that the new facility will not only help in reducing water costs for residents but also promise more affordable housing opportunities. The initiative aligns with trends seen across Arizona, where cities are increasingly looking to purified wastewater to augment dwindling water supplies.

A recent study highlighted that Arizona holds the position of having the second-highest rate of wastewater reuse in the Colorado River Basin, achieving approximately 50%. This reuse contributes around 264,000 acre-feet of water annually to the state’s overall supplies. Nevada is currently the only state that surpasses Arizona in terms of wastewater recycling within the Colorado River Basin.

Recycled wastewater plays a crucial role in various applications, including irrigation, aquifer recharge, and power plant cooling systems across Arizona. Presently, the state’s water budget categorizes reclaimed water as accounting for about 5% of total water supplies. However, both the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality have noted that current data regarding wastewater reuse might not present a complete picture of the situation.

As Arizona grapples with ongoing water scarcity, the inception of advanced water purification facilities marks a significant chapter in the state’s comprehensive efforts to enhance water management and conservation practices. Through these initiatives, Phoenix and other Arizona cities aim to create a sustainable water future while addressing the impact of climate challenges on their resources.