Paving the Way for Sustainable Drinking Water Supply in Arizona March 14, 2025 By Katelyn McLaughlin Drinking Water, Innovative Technology, Sustainability advanced water purification, arizona, sustainable drinking water 0 The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has announced the approval of the Advanced Water Purification (AWP) rules by the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council. This new regulatory framework aims to ensure a sustainable and reliable drinking water supply for Arizona communities amid rising demand and drought conditions. The AWP program allows cities and water providers to apply for permits to purify treated water for potable use, incorporating strict safeguards to protect public health. “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,” said Phoenix Water Services Director Troy Hayes. “Phoenix is prepared to integrate advanced water purification into our long-term strategy, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and resilience.” Key Requirements Include: Initial Source Water Characterization Initially identifying all problem constituents in the treated wastewater source. Pathogen Control Mandatory removal well above the 99 percentile. Site-Specific or Custom Chemical Control A robust and apt approach based on the Initial Source Water Characterization. Enhanced Source Control Chemical Control at the pollutant’s source, if necessary. Rigorous Minimum Design Criteria Tailored to the findings of the Initial Source Water Characterization. The approval follows extensive public engagement and technical reviews, with major cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale actively supporting the initiative. The press release states that "the new rule outlines the technical and operational requirements for AWP systems, drawing on best practices, input from the ADEQ-formed external Technical Advisory Group, and feedback on both ADEQ’s AWP Proposed Program Roadmap and Rule." The AWP rules took effect on March 4, 2025, and will be published in the Arizona Administrative Register soon. Further Resources... AWP Overview | View > AWP Infographic | View > AWP Fact Sheet | View > Securing our Water Future Through AWP | View AMWUA Blog > Read the full press release: Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Approved | ADEQ Comments are closed.