ADEQ publishes draft rules for filtering sewage water into drinking water

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality published draft rules Monday for utilities and cities to filter sewage water into drinking water.

ADEQ Deputy Director Randall Matas says the technology has gotten to the point where that water is more pure than treated ground or surface water.

But a survey found that about 25% of people were somewhat or not at all likely to drink water from the so-called “advanced water purification” process.

Matas says it could also be more expensive, especially as facilities get up and running with the technology.

But Phoenix Water Services Director Troy Hayes says there would also be a cost to not expanding Arizona’s water sources, especially as its allocation from the Colorado River is reduced.

Final approval of the rules could be in by the end of the year.