The City of Tucson, located in southern Arizona, is taking a significant step towards water sustainability by moving forward with plans to build its first advanced wastewater treatment facility. This ambitious project aims to reduce reliance on the Colorado River by converting wastewater into drinking water through advanced purification methods.
Tucson City Council has approved an $86 million grant from the Bureau of Reclamation to fund the construction of the advanced water purification plant. The plant is expected to save an estimated 56,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water over the next decade. The wastewater will undergo a rigorous three-phase treatment process to meet stringent drinking water standards.
This project aligns with the Bureau of Reclamation's efforts to conserve Colorado River water, particularly as negotiations for future water allocations approach in 2026. Planning and design phases will take place over the next few years, with the plant expected to be operational by the early 2030s.
Tucson's decision to invest in this cutting-edge water treatment technology demonstrates a commitment to sustainable water management. By recycling wastewater into drinking water, the City is proactively addressing the challenges of a changing climate and increasing water scarcity in the West.
