Phoenix Reaches Water Reuse Milestone as Heat Melts Supply

City leaders say new treatment facility marks step toward turning wastewater into drinking water to offset Colorado River cuts.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:55pm

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As record heat melts snow in the Rocky Mountains and threatens Arizona's water supply, Phoenix is investing in a new water reclamation plant to purify wastewater into a reusable resource. Crews have filled a one-million-gallon treatment basin as part of system testing, a sign the project is about 50% complete. The facility is designed to help offset expected cuts to the Colorado River by providing an alternative water source for the city.

Why it matters

Phoenix's new water reclamation plant is a critical investment as the city faces growing concerns over its water supply. With the Colorado River system in long-term drought and snowpack in the Rockies melting at a dramatic pace due to record heat, the city needs to find new ways to stretch its limited water resources. This project could help offset future cuts to the Colorado River allocation, which provides the majority of the region's water.

The details

The Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant is designed to take wastewater and purify it into a reusable resource. The city hopes to begin using the water to recharge groundwater by 2027, with the potential to send it directly to homes by 2028. Crews have now filled a one-million-gallon treatment basin as part of system testing, a sign the project is about 50% complete.

  • Crews filled a one-million-gallon treatment basin this week as part of system testing.
  • The city hopes to begin using the reclaimed water to recharge groundwater by 2027.
  • The city hopes to potentially send the reclaimed water directly to homes by 2028.

The players

Phoenix

The city of Phoenix, Arizona, which is investing in a new water reclamation plant to help offset expected cuts to its Colorado River allocation.

Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant

A new water treatment facility in Phoenix that is designed to purify wastewater into a reusable resource.

Nazario Prieto

The Phoenix Assistant Water Services Director, who says the new reclamation plant could help offset significant cuts to the Colorado River.

Stacey Donaldson

A Scripps News Denver meteorologist who says the record heat is "cooking" mountain snowpack that feeds the Colorado River.

Sarah Porter

An expert at ASU's Kyl Center for Water Policy who warns that a combination of less water and no new Colorado River water-sharing agreement could be bad for Arizona water users.

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What they’re saying

“Because maybe there are times we don't have enough water, like on the Colorado, we're going to have major concerns there, significant cuts. Eventually, this program is going to offset some of those cuts.”

— Nazario Prieto, Phoenix Assistant Water Services Director

“We've hit the highest temperature ever recorded in March, which is 85 degrees.”

— Stacey Donaldson, Scripps News Denver Meteorologist

“This is worse than a very bad year in terms of the hydrology. Cities, tribes, industry, those users need to expect deeper cuts.”

— Sarah Porter, Expert, ASU's Kyl Center for Water Policy

What’s next

The city hopes to begin using the reclaimed water to recharge groundwater by 2027, with the potential to send it directly to homes by 2028.

The takeaway

Phoenix's investment in water reclamation technology is a critical step in addressing the city's growing water challenges, as climate change and drought continue to strain the region's primary water source, the Colorado River. By turning wastewater into a reusable resource, Phoenix is taking proactive measures to diversify its water supply and prepare for an uncertain future.