Scottsdale's wastewater recycling plans could cost $261M
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Scottsdale's plan to turn wastewater into drinking water could cost $164 million.
Why it matters: These estimates are up from the initial ballpark of $15 million–$20 million, meaning residents could be stuck paying higher water bills to secure future supplies.
State of play: Scottsdale's Colorado River water allocation, delivered through the Central Arizona Project, or CAP, could fall 17% in 2027, putting pressure on the city to line up replacement supplies before deeper shortages hit.
Driving the news: During Tuesday's City Council meeting, officials presented several potential water projects — ranging from a $6 million pump station expansion to a $164 million wastewater-to-drinking-water project.
What they're saying: City manager Greg Caton said an advanced purification project's estimated cost ballooned due partly to new state regulations that changed the project's requirements, prompting the city to commission a more detailed engineering study.
Yes, but: The $164 million plant could get pricier if the city adds a station to collect more wastewater from South Scottsdale, pushing the total price to as much as $261 million — but giving the city more water to work with.
What to expect: The city didn't offer any estimates on how much these projects could increase household water bills but Councilmember Jan Dubauskas acknowledged that "water rates may go up."
Between the lines: Councilmembers agree Scottsdale needs more water options, but not on how much to spend.
- Solange Whitehead wants the city to move faster on turning wastewater into drinking water. "There is no silver bullet. There's silver buckshot," she said, arguing the city needs multiple solutions.
- Barry Graham, who's up for reelection, questioned the project's price tag and urged the city to weigh costs as it considers ways to expand its water supply. "We can't totally ignore cost," he said.
Meanwhile, Dubauskas repeatedly reaffirmed that Scottsdale isn't facing an immediate water shortage.
What's next: Water staff submitted two projects totaling about $87 million for consideration in the proposed fiscal 2027–28 capital budget: expanding an existing pump station serving north Scottsdale and building a wastewater pump station near Indian Bend and Hayden roads.
- The council did not take action Tuesday, and it's unclear when it might vote on whether to pursue a full advanced water purification facility.