Arizona has taken a major step toward securing its water future with the approval of Advanced Water Purification (AWP) regulations. The Arizona Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRRC) has officially greenlit the new rules, allowing cities and water providers to apply for permits to treat and reuse water for drinking purposes.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) emphasized that the new regulations include strict safeguards to ensure water safety, such as pathogen removal, chemical control and rigorous treatment standards.

“This is a landmark achievement for Arizona’s water security,” said ADEQ Director Karen Peters in a press release. “Advanced Water Purification provides a cutting-edge solution to support growing communities, safeguard public health, and maximize our state’s water resources.”

The AWP rule took effect on March 4, 2025.

For more details on Arizona’s Advanced Water Purification program, visit the ADEQ website. You can read the full version of the press release here.