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      PHX Water Smart - Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plan and Advanced Water Purification Facility

      Overview 

      Located in northern Phoenix, the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant (CCWRP) Rehabilitation Project is going to bring a new and renewable source of purified drinking water to Phoenix water customers. Between​ 2000 and 2008, the plant delivered recycled water to parks and golf courses before being closed due to a drop in demand in the region. By 2027, the next generation of this plant will produce nearly 7 million gallons of purified water each day which is enough water to serve 25,000 households. The water will be used to supply the City’s recycled water customers for parks, schools, and golf courses, as well as to recharge groundwater. Groundwater recharge occurs when water seeps into the ground to replenish underground aquifers for later use. This project is setting the stage for similar projects planned in the region.

      factoid graphic explaining AWP
      Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant and highlight of future modules Above is a rendering of the future upgraded Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant, including a rendering of the facility that will purify recycled water to drinking water using (1) Reverse Osmosis and (2) UV Advanced Oxidation technologies.​
      Did you know - Phoenix currently recycles 97% of the 70 billion gallons of wastewater generated annually, delivering it for use in agriculture, energy production, urban irrigation, aquifer recharge and riparian wetland maintenance.

      What is Advanced Water Purification? ​

      AWP is a proven technology process that safely and efficiently purifies recycled wastewater into drinking water. The water produced is so clean it meets or exceeds federal and local drinking water requirements.

      Upgrades to the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant

      The existing facility will be upgraded to include Advanced Water Purification, which will turn recycled water produced on-site to drinking water. In the early years of the project, the water produced will be used to serve recycled water customers and to recharge groundwater supplies. When fully operational, the new water will then be available for use in the drinking water system.

      Process Wheel

      How AWP at the CCWRP Works

      Reverse Osmosis and Ultraviolet Advanced Oxidation are added to the improved CCWRP water recycling processes to destroy pathogens, remove chemicals, and disinfect the​​ water to bring the water to drinking water standards.​​

      graphic of awp process

      Why Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Matters for Phoenix​

      Phoenix relies on surface water for approximately 98% of its supply, primarily from the Colorado, Salt, and Verde Rivers, delivered through an extensive canal system. While groundwater serves as a backup, the city has made significant strides in water conservation, reducing overall demand even as the population grows.

      However, climate change and prolonged drought threaten the reliability of surface water supplies. To ensure long-term sustainability, Phoenix is investing in Advanced Water Purification (AWP) to create a local, renewable water source that is independent of river flows.

      Benefits of AWP:

      • Diversify Phoenix’s water portfolio, reducing reliance on unpredictable surface water supplies.
      • Increase resilience against future drought conditions and shortages.
      • Provide a high-quality, purified water source using cutting-edge technology to meet or exceed drinking water standards.

      With AWP, Phoenix is taking a proactive approach to water security, ensuring safe, reliable water for generations to come.

      benefits of AWP

      Project Timeline 

      New Cave Creek Plant Project Timeline 2025 02

      What's Next for Advanced Water Purification 

      Construction has begun at the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant to upgrade the facility with AWP technology. By 2027, the plant will producenearly    7 million gallons of purified water each day, which is enough water to serve 25,000 households. The following facilities are being considered to receive AWP technologies to further enhance the City’s water supply.​

      • 91st Avenue Advanced Water Purification Facility
      • Planned North Gateway Advanced Water Purification Facility 

      Additional Resources: