PRESS RELEASE | ADEQ Releases Notice of Proposed Rulemakings for Advanced Water Purification

PRESS RELEASE

ADEQ Releases Notice of Proposed Rulemakings for Advanced Water Purification

Revised On: Nov. 4th, 2024 - 09:59 am

PHOENIX (Nov. 4, 2024) — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) today announced the publication of the Notice of Proposed Rulemakings (NPRMs) for the Advanced Water Purification (AWP) regulatory program. The NPRMs were published in the Arizona Administrative Register on November 1. The proposed AWP program will allow communities and private water providers to install innovative water reuse processes, treating and purifying recycled water to drinking water standards. This milestone marks a significant step forward in enhancing Arizona’s water sustainability and addressing the state's ongoing water challenges.

ADEQ’s proposed AWP program requires advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-barrier treatment technologies to purify recycled water for drinking, providing a safe, reliable source of water to support growing communities and reduces reliance on diminishing water supplies. The purified water from AWP is safe drinking water that meets all federal requirements set by the Safe Drinking Water Act, including removal of PFAS, and additional state requirements. The same technologies are already in use in various industries and have been proven effective in other states.

“We’re taking important steps toward using proven advanced water purification technologies to enhance Arizona’s water security,” said ADEQ Deputy Director Karen Peters. “Public input is crucial as we develop these regulations, which will give communities a powerful tool to provide safe drinking water and adapt to ongoing water challenges.”

The proposed AWP rules are built on three core components:

Program Component: Establishes the regulatory framework for implementing and overseeing AWP projects.
Licensing Time-Frames Component: Sets clear timelines for processing AWP permits.
Fee Component: Details the costs associated with obtaining necessary AWP permits and ADEQ’s oversight of facilities.

The proposed rules position Arizona as a leader in water innovation, ensuring a sustainable and safe drinking water supply for future generations through AWP. Key technical aspects of the proposed rules include:

Pathogen and Chemical Control: The AWP facilities must meet strict treatment standards for pathogen and chemical removal, ensuring that the advanced treated water product is safe for human consumption. This includes robust source water characterization and enhanced source control for non-domestic dischargers.
Permitting and Compliance: AWP permits will include rigorous pre-permitting requirements such as pilot studies and full-scale verification to ensure performance before large-scale deployment. Permits will also require stringent monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting.
Certification Requirements: Operators of AWP systems must obtain new certifications to ensure they are qualified to manage these advanced systems, including passing specific exams and having relevant experience in water treatment.

“Advanced water purification offers Arizona communities a safe, sustainable way to extend our water resources,” said Phoenix Water Services Director Troy Hayes. “This new framework empowers us to implement cutting-edge water reuse technologies, helping to secure reliable, locally sourced drinking water for Arizona’s growing population.”

The NPRMs are published in the Arizona Administrative Register and on ADEQ’s website launching the public comment period. The public can review the proposed rules and submit their comments online until Dec. 2, 2024. ADEQ encourages all interested stakeholders, public water systems, and members of the public to review the proposed rule and submit comments | Submit Comments >

After the formal public comment period closes, ADEQ reviews, considers, and responds to the comments received, making any necessary revisions to the proposed rule before delivering the Notice of Final Rulemaking to the Governor’s Office for approval. Thereafter, ADEQ submits the NFRM to the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council for review and approval before being codified and made effective by the Secretary of State's office in the Arizona Administrative Code.

Background and Resources

Contact

ADEQ Public Information Officer
Ph: 480-670-0568 (cell)
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