ADEQ moves forward with developing rules for Advanced Water Purification to bolster Arizona’s water supplies
ADWR’s sister agency, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, is moving quickly on a groundbreaking program designed to convert treated wastewater into safe, reliable purified water.
ADEQ announced on July 9 its plan to release the draft rule for the Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Program.
In a press statement, ADEQ said the draft rule is “the next step in ADEQ’s effort to develop a robust regulatory framework for AWP that will give water providers another tool to diversify and expand Arizona’s water portfolio, deliver safe drinking water to their communities and support the state's growing population and economy.”
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs lauded the program, observing that “Arizona has a long history of smart water management, and we must continue that legacy in order to secure a prosperous future for all.”
“The Advanced Water Purification Program is one of many important tools we have to improve our water sustainability. This proposal will undoubtedly strengthen our already robust water systems and keep us on the right track,” said the Governor.
The AWP program uses safe and proven technologies and already has been successfully implemented. Many of the technologies used in AWP are the same as those commonly used in processing strictly regulated products for eating and drinking.
The agency’s draft rule outlines the technical and operational requirements for AWP systems, drawing on proven methodologies and best practices, and input from ADEQ’s Technical Advisory Group.
ADEQ also has received technical feedback on its Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Proposed Program Roadmap, which it unveiled last fall.
“To adapt to this historic drought, we must turn to proven solutions to better conserve and reclaim water,” said Arizona Senator and former Astronaut Mark Kelly.
“We’ve used these Advanced Water Purification techniques on the International Space Station for decades, and today’s proposal is an important step to bring this innovative technology to Arizona and make our water usage more self-reliant and sustainable.”
Results of two blind surveys conducted in April 2023 and May 2024 with a total of 2,314 respondents who were Arizona residents, showed broad concern about the state’s water supply now and in the near future. The survey subjects expressed support for AWP as a viable part of the solution.
“This draft rule is a significant milestone in our journey towards a sustainable and resilient water supply for Arizonans,” said ADEQ Cabinet Executive Officer Karen Peters. “ADEQ is committed to protecting public health and the environment by establishing clear, science-based regulations for advanced water purification.”