Potable Reuse: A New Frontier for Arizona’s Water Resources

Abstract

Arizona, like many other states, faces uncertainty about the adequacy and reliability of our water resources. Arizona has long practiced water reuse for non-potable purposes and indirect potable reuse by aquifer recharge. Nationally, potable reuse is being developed as a way to meet growing demands in the face of climate change, drought, and environmental compliance. In 2014, the Governor’s Panel on Water Sustainability identified potable reuse as a means to stretch our existing water supplies. The work of the Steering Committee for Arizona Potable Reuse, WateReuse Arizona, and the AZ Water Association over the subsequent three years culminated in development of a guidance document for implementation of potable reuse in Arizona. On January 1, 2018, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) adopted new rules that removed the prohibition on potable reuse, opening the door to the development and adoption of rules, guidance and permits for potable reuse.