Over the last several years, Tucson Water began testing for PFAS and other non-regulated compounds. Nine wells in northwest Tucson were shut down after the detection of PFAS and 1,4-dioxane. The shutdown of the wells eliminated a significant amount of water resources for the Tucson community. The Northwest Wellhead Treatment Facility will bring three wells back online, restoring a source of safe and reliable drinking water for the northwest portion of Tucson Water’s service area.
The treatment technology that will be used is a proven method currently utilized by Tucson Water, Marana Water, and other communities to remove compounds including PFAS. It is a multi-point treatment process that uses Advanced Oxidation as well as Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) chemical adsorption. This process is approved and regulated by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (AZDEQ) to provide safe, clean water to communities state-wide, including in Tucson.
Tucson is not alone in its encounter with PFAS. Communities across America are finding this manmade chemical in their environment, leading the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to offer support in affected areas.
The EPA has offered to fund the construction of the Northwest Wellhead Treatment Facility through a $30 million loan allocated as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. $10 million of the loan allocated by the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona will be forgivable, minimizing the impact that this effort will have on ratepayers while ensuring safe, clean water for Tucsonans.
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Tucson Water is currently in the design stage of this project. Construction is set to take place from 2027 through 2030.