The Chandler City Council is tapping into federal funds to ensure its residents and businesses have access to a reliable water resource. The council has greenlit a $3 million grant application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in a move to develop two new aquifer storage and recovery wells at Tumbleweed Park. These wells are a crucial addition to Chandler's strategy to fortify itself against drought, and the grant could help take a substantial load off the total estimated project cost of $13.5 million, according to an announcement by the City of Chandler.
Strategic partnerships are bringing this plan closer to reality. As per a statement obtained by the city's website, with the advocacy of U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema and U.S. Representative Greg Stanton, the grant application is eligible for funding earmarked by Congress through the EPA's Community Grants Program. "We need to be proactive about investing in smart water infrastructure that meets Chandler residents’ needs while allowing businesses to grow sustainably," Stanton told the City's official website. His vision is embedded in the very fabric of these aquifer wells designed to support Intel's expansion in the East Valley along with the local community’s water requirements.
The workings of these wells are simple yet profoundly impactful—they will enhance Chandler's reclaimed water distribution system. This system entails storing treated wastewater, otherwise known as reclaimed water, underground in aquifers to be drawn upon when demand spikes. This innovative approach not only bolsters the city's water reserves but also conserves high-quality drinking water by reallocating the reclaimed water for non-potable purposes like industrial uses and landscape irrigation.
Recognizing the enduring struggle as the Southwest grapples with water scarcity, these wells represent a beacon of sustainability. As Chandler officials work alongside federal partners, they collectively aspire to preserve essential resources. Every year, billions of gallons of reclaimed water get supplied, which ultimately serves the purpose of sustaining the city's demand for water while conscious efforts are being made to protect its drinking water supplies.
