Project History

SROG began evaluating the potential to recharge the reclaimed water from the 91st Avenue WWTP in 1990. SROG initially investigated several locations within west central Maricopa County as potential recharge sites and selected the Agua Fria River corridor. This area was selected due to the proximity to the 91st Avenue WWTP, suitable hydrogeologic conditions and the potential for SROG to recover the recharge for use. The initial SROG recharge concept focused on using recharge basins; however, additional hydrogeologic studies and potential land use conflicts impacted the feasibility of using basins.

In 1996, SROG proposed the Agua Fria Linear Recharge Project to recharge reclaimed water in the river channel within the 10 mile reach extending from Bell Road on the north to Indian School Road on the south. Initial feasibility study evaluations verified the linear recharge concept was superior to recharge basins and linear recharge addressed several of the potential constraints associated with usage basins.

SROG and Reclamation teamed in 1996 to undertake the assessments required to implement the Agua Fria Linear Recharge Project. SROG submitted an initial Feasibility Study to Reclamation in 1997 as a part of the Title XVI requirements. SROG and Reclamation developed teaming agreements and quantified the amount of reclaimed water produced by the 91st Avenue WWTP and the amount of committed uses. In 2000, the Agua Fria Linear Recharge Project studies were initiated.

The phases proposed for this project consist of:

• Phase 1: Stakeholders Coordination and Public Information
• Phase 2: Technical Investigations/Economic Analyses/Feasibility Report Update/Environmental Impact Statement
• Phase 3: Preliminary Designs
• Phase 4: Final Design and Implementation

Phase 1 was completed in September 2003 and the study is currently in the middle of Phase 2 which is scheduled for completion in June 2006.