On Friday, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced $179 million in federal funding from the Bureau of Reclamation to support the design and construction of the City’s North Gateway Advanced Water Purification Facility.
The announcement took place at the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant, which is currently under construction and will be Phoenix’s first advanced water purification facility. The North Gateway facility, located in northwest Phoenix, has not yet begun construction.
Mayor Gallego said the funding is the result of "years of work by an enormous group of people" and praised the partnership with federal leaders. "This goes a long way towards making sure we continue our strong record of water security," she said. "It is also an investment in Phoenix families and the future of our economy. Today’s $179 million announcement will make housing more affordable for Phoenix residents."
Once operational, Gallego said, the North Gateway facility will augment the city’s supply of clean, purified water and, together with the Cave Creek facility, "will provide 14,000-acre feet of potable water, enough to serve 40,000 families."
Stanton called Gallego "the right leader at the right time on the most important issue facing the future of our state" and emphasized the urgency of investing in long-term water solutions. "Water policy in Phoenix and in Arizona is never abstract or theoretical," he said. "The simple truth is this. Arizona is going to have to fight to protect access to Colorado River water through negotiations and at the same time we have to do more with less."
"The most effective tools we have are water recycling and water conservation," Stanton added. "Advanced water purification is a proven solution, and we are going to take it to scale, big-time scale here in our community."
Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien described the funding as "a transformative victory for Phoenix" and said it was personal for her district, which will house the North Gateway Advanced Water Purification Facility. "None of this growth is possible without reliable, sustainable water infrastructure," she said. "I can't wait to drink the first glass of clean and purified water from North Phoenix—it will taste like innovation, sustainability, and Phoenix's bright future!"
Dave White, Associate Vice President of Research Advancement at Arizona State University, said the project reflects a commitment to securing the region’s long-term water future. He also stressed the importance of building public trust in advanced water purification technology. "Public understanding and public acceptance of advanced water purification is critical to the success," White said. "Building trust through transparency, through education, is as important as the technology itself."
Construction timelines for North Gateway will be finalized after design work is complete, with the facility expected to come online early in the next decade.
About City of Phoenix Water Services Department
The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable water services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Phoenix. With a commitment to water conservation, innovation, and long-term planning, the department ensures a secure and resilient water supply for future generations. For more information, visit phoenix.gov/water.
VIDEO: Stanton, Gallego, O’Brien remarks regarding federal funding for North Gateway
NEWS RELEASE: Reclamation invests almost $200M in water reuse in the Colorado River Basin
NEWS RELEASE: Congressman Stanton, Mayor Gallego Announce $179 Million in Federal Funds for Phoenix Advanced Water Purification Facility
Media Contacts:
Todd Zubatkin
Communications Director
Office of Mayor Kate Gallego
908-892-9090
todd.zubatkin@phoenix.gov
Michael Gertzman
Sr. Public Information Officer
Phoenix Water Services Department
602-534-1209
michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov
