University of Arizona's WEST Center

WEST Center facilitates innovative research and technology development to ensure safe and sustainable water supplies. Critical to WEST’s success is the partnership between the University of Arizona, the private sector, utilities, and the community at large.

Features of the WEST Center:

State-of-the-art facility for new water and energy technology evaluation
Provides world class expertise in:
- Environmental microbiology & environmental engineering
- Technology development for reduced energy use in water treatment
- In line real-time sensors for water treatment technologies
A leading center in emerging chemical and microbial contaminants
Community monitoring of infectious agents for pandemic prevention and prediction
Co-located with Wastewater Reclamation Facility allows for direct access to online variable water qualities for flow-through experiments

News

Desert View High School group in front of WEST Center

WEST Center welcomes visitors

May 1, 2025

During tours and lectures at WEST Center, visitors meet innovative researchers and learn how the center advances water resiliency and community health.

Advanced Water Purification rules approved in Arizona

April 11, 2025

In March 2025, Arizona approved rules to guide utilities' implementation of advanced water purification. Supported by advancements in technology and rigorous research, this step paves the way for safe and sustainable water reuse in the desert state.

WEST faculty participate in WateReuse Symposium

March 20, 2025

In March 2025, representatives from the University of Arizona's WEST Center participated in discussions focused on water treatment technologies and benefits of water reuse at the annual WateReuse Symposium.

From glacial preservation to local conservation: U of A experts discuss research ahead of World Water Day

March 19, 2025

In an article by UANews, U of A experts discuss grassroots water engagement and how Arizona's unique climate provides an ideal backdrop for water research.

Two men standing together in a conference room.

WET Center celebrates twenty-five years of collaborative research

March 5, 2025

Attendees of a recent WET Center meeting celebrated the group’s twenty-fifth anniversary. The multi-university venture has focused on water and wastewater technology since its inception in 2000.

Side-by-side headshots of Dr. Ikner and Dr. Chaves

Technical Directors appointed at WEST Center

Feb. 11, 2025

Two long-standing researchers at WEST, Dr. Luisa Ikner and Dr. Bianca Miguel de Souza Chaves, were recently appointed Technical Directors of the Center. They will oversee the critical maintenance, operation, and proper use of commonly shared space and equipment.

Water+Energy Nexus

Innovative Technology

WET Center at WEST

Home