AWP drinking water is tasteless, and minerals must be added back in before it is distributed to consumers. Scottsdale has partnered with local brewers to make beer out of recycled water<\/a> as a way to get the public used to the idea of drinking it. Tucson also has an AWP facility in the works.<\/p>\n Work started on 1st plant for bolstering drinking water supply<\/p>\n Construction is already underway on the first AWP facility, which is replacing the former Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant in north Phoenix.<\/p>\n It is expected to be operational by 2029 and will purify water through a process called indirect potable reuse.<\/p>\n Nazario described indirect potable reuse as \u201ctaking the treated wastewater, running it through those advanced water treatment processes, and then putting it into the ground and then pulling it out and putting it into the potable system.\u201d<\/p>\n The water also can be kept in lakes or reservoirs that act as an environmental buffer. It eventually goes through another treatment plant before it goes to customers\u2019 homes. <\/p>\n Once officials and the public are happy with the Cave Creek plant AWP pilot program, the plan is to move to direct potable reuse, where water is sent directly to customers.<\/p>\n North Gateway AWP facility aims to use direct potable reuse<\/p>\n A second planned AWP plant in north Phoenix is expected to be operational in 2030. It\u2019s called North Gateway and will utilize direct potable reuse from the start.<\/p>\n With direct potable reuse, treated water goes directly into the water distribution system. That could be the pipes that go directly to homes or businesses or a finished reservoir that holds drinking water.<\/p>\n 91st Avenue facility will be \u2018a game-changer\u2019<\/p>\n The largest of the three AWP facilities is planned for the existing 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant<\/a> in Tolleson.<\/p>\n The timeline calls for construction on the third plant to be completed in 2033.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce we build a facility here, that\u2019s really going to be a game-changer for Phoenix because it allows us to be less reliant on the Colorado River,\u201d Prieto said.<\/p>\n Follow @heidi_hommel<\/a><\/p>\n We want to hear from you.<\/p>\n Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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