In a thirsty quest for sustainability, Scottsdale, Arizona, remains at the forefront, championing an innovative "toilet-to-tap" water recycling program that could soon spread across the parched state. Scottsdale has long been a lone warrior, recycling water to a purity level fit for drinking—a bold step not yet taken by other Arizonan communities. Scottsdale Water executive director Brian Biesemeyer told ABC15, "Sustainability of water is something we really take seriously," acknowledging the city's dedication to this cause for over a quarter of a century.
Not lagging far behind, the town of Gilbert eyes collaboration with Phoenix in a similar venture. Gilbert's effort to join a study with Phoenix aims to build an advanced water purification facility by 2030, as reported by the East Valley Tribune. This move comes amidst a backdrop of a persistent drought depleting the Colorado River levels, which currently supplies 41% of Gilbert's potable water.
Biesemeyer, from Scottsdale Water, broke down the technical journey of their recycled agua, saying, "We take the water and treat it through ultra-filtration membranes, ozone, reverse osmosis, and UV photolysis." The city already uses this high-grade H2O for non-drinking purposes—nurturing golf courses, parks, and recharging groundwater—a practice they've been proudly engaged in since 2006. Eventually, Scottsdale's initiative could change statewide regulations, paving the way for its purified product to join the ranks of drinkable water supplies.
As per the East Valley Tribune, if Gilbert's agreement gets the green light, the town could partake in the planning and construction of a purification facility in partnership with Phoenix. But commitment phobes need not fret; the MOU allows Gilbert to back out with a 30-day notice. While Gilbert's participation doesn’t come with water rights attached, it does seat them at the table where discussions of our liquid future are served hot.
This regional approach to water sustainability is picking up steam at a critical juncture. With Arizona and its southwestern neighbors grappling over the Colorado River's shrinking waistline, Phoenix's proposed plant, slotted for the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, could herald a new era of resource management. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has been a vocal advocate, her pride in this "multi-billion-dollar investment" touted in last year's State of the City address. The facility promises to recycle an ambitious 60 million gallons per day by completion. Together, these cities are cutting a path through the dry brush towards a water-secure future for their communities, setting an example for others to follow.
