98% of Phoenix’s water comes from surface sources like the Colorado, Salt and Verde Rivers. But, as climate impacts and drought threaten the reliability of these rivers, the future of that supply is anything but certain. In response, the City of Phoenix is investing in Advanced Water Purification (AWP) to ensure a local, renewable water source independent of river flows. 

Phoenix will become home to a first-of-its kind treatment plant in Arizona, where the Sundt team has been busy laying the foundation for the plant to deliver water to over 25,000 homes by 2028.

Originally operational between 2000 and 2008, the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant (CCWRP) previously provided recycled water to parks and golf courses before being closed due to a decline in demand. Now, the city is investing in advanced treatment technology to ensure long-term water sustainability for Phoenix’s communities.

The CCWRP is designed to produce Class A+ non potable reclaimed water, with plans for advanced water purification. Initially, the water will be used to serve recycled water customers, such as parks, schools and golf courses, and will recharge groundwater supplies. By 2028, the fully operational plant will bring purified drinking water to over 25,000 homes.

Project Manager Zach Young has over 13 years of experience managing water and wastewater treatment projects and is excited to be guiding a key project for the City of Phoenix. “The work is a combination of retrofitting existing structures to integrate advanced treatment process equipment and constructing brand-new facilities,” explains Zach. “Sundt’s self-perform concrete team, led by Construction Manager Jesse Castro, has been laying slab on grade for new membrane bioreactor (MBR) basins and pump facilities (pictured).”

The rehabilitation of the CCWRP involves significant infrastructure upgrades to incorporate advanced water purification technologies. Key improvements include:

• New coarse screening facility to replace the existing structure.

• Rehabilitation of the influent pump station to improve efficiency.

• Installation of grit removal systems to enhance water quality.
• Transformation of the Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) basin into a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) basin, which will use advanced membranes for further treatment.
• Replacement of existing filters with reverse osmosis and UV advanced oxidation process.

“This project represents a major step forward in Phoenix’s water future. We are thrilled to partner with the City of Phoenix to help ensure that the city remains resilient and continues to provide high-quality water to its residents.”—Sam Reidy, President, Water & Wastewater Group

As the CCWRP project moves forward, our team on-site is helping to build the model for future water purification initiatives across the region and laying the foundation for future opportunities with the city. Once complete, the revitalized CCWRP will bolster Phoenix’s water supplies with a renewable source of purified drinking water.