title: "Peoria outlines $1.2 billion water strategy" url: "https://www.peoriatimes.com/news/peoria-outlines-1-2-billion-water-strategy/article_c655e5cd-26f8-4de4-a883-e803f0f432c1.html" author: "Joshua Fenty, Peoria Times Staff Writer"

Peoria officials recently outlined plans for a long-term water security initiative that could cost up to $1.2 billion — expanding the city’s wastewater infrastructure and developing a new facility to turn reclaimed water into drinking water. Deputy City Manager Kevin Burke warned that securing the city’s water future is becoming an increasingly difficult and expensive undertaking.

“This is one of council’s original priorities — not because it was the flavor of the month, but because it’s critical to the wellbeing of the community,” Burke said. “The options that give Peoria greater water security are becoming more expensive, require greater partnerships and navigating tougher regulations.

“My point tonight is the work is getting harder.”

No formal action was taken during the study session, as the presentation was intended to update the council on the city’s long-term water security plans and ongoing infrastructure projects. Water Services Director David Burks noted that a finalized ordinance would return to the dais for a vote at a future meeting.

At the heart of the city’s approach to securing Peoria’s water resources is the construction of an advanced water purification (AWP) facility. The first phase of the project is estimated to cost approximately $800 million, up to $1.2 billion at ultimate buildout. Of the $800 million, roughly $530 million is associated with construction of the AWP and brine management facilities and the remaining funding will support infrastructure in other planned capital improvement projects. Water Services Engineering Supervisor Chris Sterne said that the timeline for the AWP facility to be complete and operational is about 15 years.

“This timeline allows the city to spread the necessary investments over time and complete the supporting infrastructure needed for the facility,” Sterne said.

He added that the 15-year timeline will allow for a pilot study to demonstrate that the treatment process can consistently meet state and federal water quality and safety requirements. Sterne said that as it stands, several capital improvement projects have been completed, are underway or are planned to support the future facility.

As explained by the water services engineering supervisor, the advanced water purification “has the potential to become one of Peoria’s most reliable sources of potable water.”

“As long as our community produces wastewater, our water reclamation facilities will produce reclaimed water — providing a consistent and locally controlled supply for AWP,” Sterne said. “This will allow us to beneficially use more of our reclaimed water, reduce our dependence on outside supplies and keep this valuable water resource here in Peoria.”

Amid discussions, Mayor Pro Tem Matt Bullock asked whether the project would eventually lower residents’ water costs.

“I wouldn’t say it’s going to reduce any cost — it’s not — but it’s keeping us from buying the really expensive stuff,” the deputy city manager replied. “This project is looking at 10 million gallons a day in the first phase and 20 million gallons a day in the full buildout.

“It’s a supply that’s already in our control and it’s also a supply that we can push to any corner of the city.”

To additionally prepare for the AWP facility, staff also outlined a planned expansion to the Beardsley Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). According to Sterne, Beardsley WRF was selected as the preferred location of two potential locations for the AWP facility identified by a feasibility study. The proposed updates include expanding wastewater treatment capacity first from 6 to 9 millions gallons per day and eventually up to 12 million gallons per day.

According to Sterne, membrane bioreactors — one of two evaluated secondary treatment technologies — could reduce the need for additional purification processes and associated costs.

Councilmember Jon Edwards raised concerns regarding potential odor and noise issues for a nearby senior living community — which he said submits “hundreds” of complaints about additional smells in or around their community. Burke clarified that the expansions lead westward and away from the residents. He also said that while it doesn’t necessarily eliminate odors, the new technology “can put us in a better position when it comes to those sorts of complaints.”

As part of the water security effort, city staff also recommended changes to Chapter 25 of the Peoria City Code — seeking to consolidate and clarify regulations governing industrial wastewater and grease discharges. According to the environmental services manager, the update establishes one standalone pretreatment article which aligns with federal pretreatment rules and makes enforcement and appeal a more consistent process.

“This is an update, not a new program,” he said. “The biggest changes are organization and clarity so that industries have clear expectations and our staff can regulate them consistently.”

Environmental Services Manager Justin Bern said that the last update to the code was in 2009, which pertained to pretreatment regulations. Since then, the city’s population has grown from 154,065 to 206,063 residents. Additionally, he explained, advanced manufacturing and technology brings new pollutants and wastewater than what the code originally intended.

The proposed ordinance will undergo additional review by the city attorney and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality before returning to the council for consideration later this year. Existing permits will remain in effect and be updated as they come up for renewal.

For the city’s long-term water security efforts, officials emphasized that the investments will take years to implement, but are intended to give Peoria greater control over its water supply as the community continues to grow.