Phoenix will move forward to make improvements at the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant, a treatment facility in the northern part of the city.

The Cave Creek facility, shuttered in 2009 due to an economic slowdown and located at Cave Creek Road and Deer Valley Drive, aligns with Phoenix's strategic plan to diversify and secure its water resources, according to a city release.

The Phoenix City Council’s decision to approve the construction contract “opens a pathway for the plant to one day employ advanced water purification technologies, offering a promising future where reclaimed water could meet potable standards,” the release stated.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said “reopening the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant with new water recycling capabilities will be crucial to shore up Phoenix's water supply, support sustainable development and maintain a strong quality of life for Phoenix families.”

The plant is expected to be operating by the end of 2026, featuring a low-profile design, indoor equipment, covered processes, odor control scrubbers and a color scheme harmonizing with the natural desert environment, officials said.

The capacity is set at 8 million gallons a day, expandable to 16 MGD. The plant could one day produce 6.7 million gallons a day of potable water to serve approximately 25,000 households annually, according to the release.

Phoenix Water Services Director Troy Hayes said the plant sets “the foundation for water security that will benefit our residents for generations to come."