Arizona Takes Step Toward DPR

Following the lifting of a state-wide ban on human consumption of recycled water (direct potable reuse - DPR) in January 2018, Arizona utilities and manufacturers of water and wastewater treatment technology find new opportunities in the state.  In line with the mission of WEST Center, researchers at WEST are working closely with these partners to explore newly-allowable treatment options, develop technology, consider system reliability, develop precision monitoring tools (i.e. system and equipment sensors), and evaluate energy and cost feasibility of the DPR approach.

In one Arizona city, DPR has become a reality.  the Advanced Water Treatment Plant at the Scottsdale Water campus became the state’s first — and one of only three in the nation — permanent water treatment facility permitted to treat recycled water for potable water uses. While the Scottsdale utility is able to serve recycled water to people, it only offers tastes at its facility at this time.  Brian Biesemeyer, Executive Director of Scottsdale Water, explains that for now, a main goal is to help drinkers get over the "ick" factor. 

While utilizing DPR is not yet a wide-spread approach in the state, the option is being explored by many in Arizona.  Recycled water may become an important drinking water supply in the future.

Learn more about DPR at the Scottsdale Water Advanced Water Treatment Plant:

'One Water:' Scottsdale Gets Permission To Turn Recycled Water Into Drinking Water

91.5 KJZZ (story and radio piece), by Mark Brodie, October 21, 2019

Brian Biesemeyer presentation to WateReuse Arizona Symposium, July 29, 2019