Operator Services for the Advance Water Purification Program

The City of Tucson, Tucson Water Department has rights to Class A+ secondary treated effluent from Pima County’s existing water reclamation facilities and intends to implement further advanced treatment for potable distribution, in compliance with Arizona Administrative Code, Title 18, Chapter 9, Article 8. The new Advanced Water Purification Facility will be capable of producing 2.5 million gallons per day (MGD). The purpose of the Project is to utilize a portion of the City’s local water resources, including its effluent entitlement, to diversify the City’s water resource portfolio. By purifying and reusing up to 2.5 MGD annually, the Project aims to improve water quality, water supply reliability, address distribution system capacity issues due to PFAS-related well shutdowns, and provide long-term conservation benefits for both the local community and the Colorado River system. Currently, the City is in negotiations with a design-build firm (Design-Builder) to design and construct the AWPF. The Operator, pursuant to its O&M Agreement with the City, will be required to coordinate with and provide input to the City and the Design-Builder in connection with the design and construction of the AWPF. However, the Operator’s primary responsibility will be the operations and maintenance of the AWPF, and the Design-Builder (not the Operator) will be responsible for its design and construction.