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Bureau of Reclamation announces new funding for desalination projects

Gov. Doug Ducey recently announced that the state will pursue desalination as a new source of water for Arizona.

But the Bureau of Reclamation also offers opportunities for new water sources.

The bureau has funded water infrastructure and desalination projects for decades.

Over time, requirements for these projects have been streamlined, and the bureau recently announced new funding.

Although desalination can convert seawater to fresh water, it can also treat brackish groundwater.

"So, and I would say, actually, the bulk of our desalination projects that are eligible, are groundwater projects, they’re not seawater projects," said Amanda Erath, a program manager with the Bureau of Reclamation. "Those are definitely in the minority.”

The bipartisan infrastructure law passed last year included $250 million for desalination projects over the next five years.

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Ron Dungan was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2020 to 2024.