Phoenix Approves Construction Contract for Rehabilitation of Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant

The Phoenix City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to move forward with a pivotal project to revitalize and expand the capabilities of the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant, a key water treatment facility in north Phoenix at Cave Creek Road and Deer Valley Drive. This project marks a significant step forward in sustainable water practices and community development and sets the stage for what may be a transformative chapter in Phoenix’s approach to innovative water management.

The Cave Creek facility, shuttered in 2009 due to an economic slowdown, is poised for a comeback that aligns with Phoenix’s strategic plan to diversify and secure its water resources. The council’s decision to approve the construction contract opens a pathway for the plant to one day employ Advanced Water Purification technologies, offering a promising future where reclaimed water could meet potable standards.

“Phoenix takes seriously the need to secure our water future and continues to bring new solutions to the table to do so,” Mayor Gallego said. “Reopening the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant with new water recycling capabilities will be crucial to shore up Phoenix’s water supply, support sustainable development, and maintain a strong quality of life for Phoenix families. Thanks to the City’s commitment to water stewardship and the deployment of innovative technologies, we will be able to deliver what is effectively a new water supply before the end of the decade.”

The plant is expected to be operational by the end of 2026. It will feature a low-profile design, indoor equipment, covered processes, odor control scrubbers, and a color scheme harmonizing with the natural desert environment. The capacity is set at 8 million gallons a day (MGD), expandable to 16 MGD. With advanced treatment technologies like Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Ultraviolet Advanced Oxidation Processes (UV AOP), the plant could one day produce 6.7 million gallons a day of potable water to serve approximately 25,000 households annually.

Phoenix Water Services Director Troy Hayes has led the department’s efforts to make this important project a reality. He echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of ensuring long-term water security.

“With the Cave Creek Plant, we’re setting the foundation for water security that will benefit our residents for generations to come,” said Hayes. “The approval of this contract is a pivotal moment for our city. We are laying the groundwork for Advanced Water Purification processes that could create a valuable new water resource.”