The Bureau of Reclamation is investing nearly $200 million in water reuse projects in Arizona and Utah, reinforcing its commitment to long-term sustainability in the Colorado River Basin.
In Arizona, an agreement being finalized with the City of Phoenix includes a $179 million investment in the city’s North Gateway Advanced Water Purification Facility. This funding will support the design and construction of Phase 1, which will treat 8 million gallons per day of effluent for direct reuse—equivalent to more than 7,500 acre-feet of additional water annually. The initiative will improve water quality and secure a reliable supply of reclaimed water for multiple uses.
“Increased water recycling, reuse, and conservation are essential to address long-term drought in the Colorado River Basin,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Scott Cameron. “We commend Phoenix and the State of Arizona for their commitment to sustainable water management, including recent legislation that promotes further conservation.”
In Utah, Reclamation will award $20.6 million to the Washington County Water Conservancy District to expand its regional reuse system in southwestern Utah. The project will create a local, drought-proof water source by treating and reusing wastewater, funded through Reclamation’s Large-Scale Water Recycling Program.
Additionally, Reclamation will soon announce a $130 million funding opportunity for new large-scale recycling projects.
“These projects, which incentivize conservation at scale, are critical given the persistent drought in the Colorado River Basin,” said Acting Commissioner David Palumbo. “By turning previously unusable water sources into reliable supplies, communities can significantly boost their water resilience.”