- Arizona’s new Advanced Water Purification (AWP) rules are now in effect.
- The rules ensure safe purification of treated water for drinking.
- Cities can apply for permits to use AWP in their water supply.
- The program supports long-term water security amid drought concerns.
March 7, 2025 — Arizona has approved a new set of Advanced Water Purification (AWP) rules
, setting the stage for a more sustainable and reliable drinking water supply. The Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRRC) gave the green light to these regulations on March 4, allowing cities and water providers to seek permits for purifying treated wastewater into potable water. This move is expected to bolster Arizona’s long-term water security as the state continues to face drought conditions and rising water demand.
“This is a landmark achievement for Arizona’s water security,” said Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Director Karen Peters. “Advanced Water Purification provides a cutting-edge solution to support growing communities, safeguard public health, and maximize our state’s water resources.”
How the New AWP Program Works.
The AWP program is designed to be flexible for water providers while ensuring strict public health protections. The rules include multiple safeguards, such as:
- Source Water Characterization – Identifying potential contaminants in the treated wastewater source.
- Pathogen Control – Ensuring removal of harmful pathogens at levels exceeding 99%.
- Chemical Control – Site-specific treatment tailored to detected pollutants.
- Enhanced Source Control – Reducing pollutants at their source when necessary.
- Minimum Design Criteria – Establishing rigorous engineering standards based on initial water assessments.
Warren Tenney, Executive Director of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, emphasized the importance of AWP in addressing water challenges. “As water challenges grow, many local municipal water providers must boost their water supplies and strengthen long-term water security. Advanced Water Purification is a viable near-term solution to ensure safe, reliable drinking water, which is crucial for Arizona’s water future.”
Cities Ready to Implement AWP.
Several major Arizona cities, including Phoenix and Scottsdale, have been closely involved in the development of AWP regulations and are preparing to integrate the technology into their water systems.
“We welcome this critical step in the broad standardization of Advanced Water Purification (AWP) here in Arizona and look forward to working with all the partners involved in this process,” said Kevin Rose, Acting Water Services Director for Scottsdale.
Phoenix Water Services Director Troy Hayes echoed this sentiment: “Water reliability is the foundation of a thriving community, and the approval of these rules paves the way for new opportunities to strengthen our supply. Phoenix is prepared to integrate advanced water purification into our long-term strategy, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and resilience.”
What Happens Next?
The AWP rules took effect immediately upon approval and filing with the Arizona Secretary of State on March 4. The final rule will be published in the Arizona Administrative Register and codified in the Arizona Administrative Code in the coming weeks. ADEQ will continue working with municipalities, water providers, and stakeholders to support the implementation of AWP projects.
As Arizona looks for innovative ways to secure its water future, Advanced Water Purification offers a promising solution to meet the state’s growing needs while maintaining strict safety and environmental standards.
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Image:
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Control Building
was built in 1931 and is located at 2301 W. Durango St. It was listed in the Phoenix Historic Property Register in October 1992. Photo by Tony the Marine (talk). Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
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