The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality published draft rules Monday for utilities and cities to filter sewage water into drinking water.
ADEQ Deputy Director Randall Matas says the technology has gotten to the point where that water is more pure than treated ground or surface water.
But a survey found that about 25% of people were somewhat or not at all likely to drink water from the so-called “advanced water purification” process.
Matas says it could also be more expensive, especially as facilities get up and running with the technology.
But Phoenix Water Services Director Troy Hayes says there would also be a cost to not expanding Arizona’s water sources, especially as its allocation from the Colorado River is reduced.
Final approval of the rules could be in by the end of the year.
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An important measuring site called the Charleston gage recently measured zero flow in the river. Experts say it's due to climate change and groundwater pumping. -
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky said they’re taking a major step toward securing their long-term water outlook by directing their city manager and city attorney to potentially create a large water use ordinance for the city. -
Environmental advocates worry about the future of cool mix flows, which send water from Lake Powell to protect threatened humpback chub in the Grand Canyon. -
The illness features symptoms like fever, joint aches and fluid in the lungs. Sickened river rafters and boaters are using social media to discover they're not alone in it. -
FEMA has awarded about $700,000 to Arizona and the Havasupai Tribe to fund hazard mitigation projects. The money came from a program the federal agency had nixed but was reinstated by the courts earlier this year.
