Water is our most precious resource.
Today’s water resource planners recognize that all water has value, and modern technology makes it possible to purify recycled water for beneficial use as drinking water. That’s why the City of Tucson is investing in long-term solutions to ensure its water future.
Through public outreach conducted during the development of Tucson Water’s One Water 2100 Plan (1W2100 plan), Tucsonans showed overwhelming support for expanding the use for recycled water, a renewable water resource, for both non-potable (irrigation) and potable (drinking water) uses.
Through funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the City of Tucson has an opportunity to accomplish this goal through Advanced Water Purification (AWP) and deliver on the one of the key strategies under the 1W2100 plan.
Arizona Pure Water | Tucson is a critical strategy to provide safe, clean, reliable and locally-controlled water for our communities and ecosystems. Through Advanced Water Purification (AWP), this program will expand the use of recycled water to provide high-quality drinking water for our communities now and in the future.
A Critical Component of One Water 2100
In 2023, the Mayor and City Council adopted the 1W2100 plan, which outlines strategies for our water future, developed through several years of public involvement. Feedback from Tucsonans overwhelmingly indicated AWP was a responsible next step for our water portfolio.
About Advanced Water Purification (AWP)
AWP, previously referred to as Direct Potable Reuse (DPR), includes a combination of proven technologies that safely, efficiently, and thoroughly purifies recycled water to be used for drinking water.
Technologies like Reverse Osmosis and Ultraviolet Advanced Oxidation are added to the purification process to destroy pathogens, remove chemicals, and disinfect the water. The water produced is so clean that it meets or exceeds federal and state drinking water requirements.
A multi-step barrier system is used to remove pathogens and organics in the water; remove chemicals and byproducts from the water; and reduce water salinity to create purified water.
Why AWP?
AWP will provide a new supply of locally available water, offering multiple benefits for Tucson’s communities, businesses, and environment.
- Creates a new, safe, and renewable source of drinking water
- Reduces reliance on ground water/current water supplies including Colorado River water
- Meets or exceeds state and local regulatory requirements
- Preserves and/or recharges groundwater
- Sustains quality of life and economic vitality
- Is a trusted method for providing the highest-grade drinking water around the world
AWP Around the World
Communities around the world are investing in purified water as part of their drinking supply. See where the Pure Water movement is taking root.
AWP in the News
Learn more about the application of AWP in other communities across the country.
