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28 July 2025
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Jul 28, 2025Water Briefing
Ofwat has published the statement clarifying the position following the publication last week of the Cunliffe report which recommended that Ofwat should be abolished and replaced by a new single integrated regulator.
The UK government has confirmed that it supports the recommendation to establish a new water regulator in England that will bring together Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the water functions of the Environment Agency and Natural England.
The Independent Water Commission has also recommended changes to the regulatory arrangements in Wales for the Welsh Government to consider.
The government will publish a white paper in the autumn and bring forward legislation in 2026. The government has also confirmed that Ofwat will remain in place and continue to operate during the transition to the new regulator.
The government is not revisiting the 2024 price review funding decisions including the £600 million Innovation Fund. Ofwat commented:
“We will therefore continue delivering our business-as-usual activities, including the Innovation Fund. The sixth Water Breakthrough Challenge will open on 8 September 2025 as planned.”
Last month the £600 million Ofwat Innovation Fund published its latest learning report, From source to sea: harnessing nature and communities for whole catchment innovation, highlighting nature’s role in solving water sector challenges.
Last month Ofwat also separately awarded an £18.4 million contract for Innovation Fund AMP8 delivery partners to support it in delivering the Innovation Fund and aspects of the Water Efficiency Fund during the AMP 8 investment period running from April 2025 to March 2030.
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Severn Trent Extends Deadline For Supply Chain Engagement On £200 Million Minworth Sro To 7 September 2025The Minworth SRO is the Northern Section of the wider Grand Union Canal Transfer SRO. The Grand Union Canal Transfer (GUCT) is a collaborative initiative between Affinity Water and Severn Trent, aimed at bringing water from the Midlands to the South East.
The GUCT project intends to take treated wastewater from SVE’s Minworth Wastewater Treatment Works to be delivered to Affinity customers in the South East via the Canal and Rivers Trust’s (CRT) Grand Union Canal.
GUCT encompasses two Strategic Resource Options (SROs); Minworth SRO in the north and the GUC SRO in the south.
The Minworth SRO is being delivered by Severn Trent while the GUC SRO is being delivered by Affinity Water.
The Minworth SRO seeks to provide a sustainable solution to meet future water demands and improve water security in the Southeast region.
Broadly speaking, the Minworth SRO encompasses the construction of an Advanced Water Treatment Plant (AWTP) on Severn Trent’s existing Minworth site and transfer via an underground pipeline to an outfall into the Coventry Canal at Atherstone. From there, the GUC SRO project will take the water along the existing canal network before being abstracted and treated near Luton.
Image: Minworth SRO diagram of requirements
It is currently intended that the GUC SRO will be delivered by Affinity Water using the Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) process. Severn Trent does not intend to deliver the Minworth SRO using the DPC process but iunstead plans to deliver it in house.
Current estimated start and end contract dates for Minworthare 1 December 2028 to 1 December 2030.
Severn Trent is inviting interested suppliers to complete an online form – required information includes:
Click here for more information about the Severn Trent Minworth SRO
Click here for additional information about the GUCT SRO
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01 August 20252 min readSevern Trent Extends Deadline For Supply Chain Engagement On £200 Million Minworth Sro To 7 September 2025
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01 August 2025
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127Km Of Pipelaying For Anglian Water Network Across Challenging Fenlands CompletedAnglian Water’s major infrastructure project spanning 127km across eastern England has reached a significant milestone with the completion of pipelaying along its southern section.
The 127km section of pipeline, running from Bexwell to Colchester, forms part of a wider strategic network extending from North Lincolnshire to Essex, essentially creating a water grid longer than the M1 motorway.
This extensive network, delivered by the Strategic Pipeline Alliance – a consortium including Anglian Water, Costain, Farrans, Jacobs and Mott MacDonald Bentley – is designed to address the growing pressure on water supplies caused by rapid population growth and climate change in the region. The pipeline will enable the transfer of between 15M – 55M litres of water per day from wetter to drier areas, helping to prevent supply shortages predicted by 2030.
Constructing the pipeline through the challenging Fenlands – a marshy region with sensitive ecological habitats – careful water level management and environmental protection measures. The project has worked to safeguard local wildlife, including water voles, rare birds, bats, badgers and swans. Efforts are now focused on restoring affected land and returning it to local owners and communities.
Alongside the pipeline, related infrastructure such as pumping stations and storage reservoirs are being built. One notable facility nearing completion is a large clean water reservoir at Rede, near Bury St Edmunds, capable of holding 20M litres of water. This reservoir will supply towns including Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, and Colchester.
The project is the largest drinking water initiative undertaken in the UK in recent decades and is part of Anglian Water’s broader £11bn investment programme, nearly twice its size from the previous five-year period. Completion of this strategic water grid will pave the way for the construction of the company’s two planned new reservoirs before 2030, which are expected to provide further water security and support local economies through job creation.
In addition to its engineering achievements, the project has contributed to local communities by donating over 2,500 books to primary schools, supporting literacy initiatives, planting thousands of trees to enhance biodiversity, and providing defibrillators to public areas.
This strategic pipeline forms a critical part of efforts to future-proof water supply in eastern England amid changing climatic conditions and demographic pressures, marking a significant step in regional infrastructure development.
Anglian Water chief executive Mark Thurston said: “The next five years will define how we secure water for future generations. Strategic infrastructure like this pipeline will be essential for the significant growth in our region and building resilience in the face of a changing climate. As we experience hotter, drier summers and record-breaking demand – like the 30% increase in water use we saw in June – this pipeline marks a big step forward. We’re putting water resources in place, ready for when they’re needed most.”
Anglian Water managing director for major infrastructure delivery Andy Alder said: “Completing pipelaying in the south marks a meaningful milestone along our strategic pipeline. While moving water supply is essential for our future generations, this project is about more than that – it’s about protecting the ecosystems that depend on it. By reducing the need to take water from sensitive sources like chalk streams, we’re helping to keep more water in our rivers and allow nature to thrive. It’s a vital step in building a resilient, sustainable future for our region.
“I’m incredibly proud of what the team has delivered, and this milestone is a testament to their hard work, dedication and shared commitment to doing what’s right for both our people and the environment in the East of England.”
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01 August 20254 min read127Km Of Pipelaying For Anglian Water Network Across Challenging Fenlands Completed
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01 August 2025
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Granite Wins $230 Million In Contracts For Nev. Wastewater System ProjectGranite has secured the second and third work packages under a $230 million Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract for the Garnet Valley Wastewater System project. Awarded by the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), this contract represents a key component of a broader $900 million infrastructure initiative in the Apex Industrial Park, developed in partnership with the City of North Las Vegas. These awards were reflected in Granite’s 2024 fourth quarter CAP.
“Granite is well-positioned to deliver a successful project based on its nearly 30-year history in Las Vegas and its vast amount of collaborative delivery experience,” said Granite Vice President of Regional Operations Chris Burke. “Strategic partnerships have been leveraged to ensure that Granite can satisfy this client's needs.”
Southern Nevada maximizes its water resources by treating and recycling 99% of the water used indoors in its service area. Treating wastewater and returning it to Lake Mead extends Southern Nevada’s water resources through return-flow credits. The construction of the Garnet Valley Wastewater System will help ensure the sustainable development of resources and reduce water demand impacts to the Colorado River.
Project Scope Includes:
Construction began in June 2025 and is expected to be completed in December 2027.
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31 July 20251 min readGranite Wins $230 Million In Contracts For Nev. Wastewater System Project
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31 July 2025
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Advanced Technologies Enable Reuse Of 18.1 Billion Cubic Meters Of WaterUtilities and businesses around the world have reused 18.1 billion cubic meters of water since 2019, enabled by solutions from global water technology leader Xylem, the Company revealed in its most recent Sustainability Report. That volume is enough to meet the annual water needs of more than 350 million people, based on global use estimates.1
Reuse is just one part of a broader effort to increase global water security – alongside the implementation of advanced treatment and digital technologies. Water managers are using the innovations to protect water sources, remove contaminants, reduce emissions, and make water infrastructure more resilient.
“Our customers are tackling the world’s toughest water challenges,” said Matthew Pine, Xylem President and Chief Executive Officer. “Their results show the impact of scaling proven technology solutions to strengthen water systems. The work they do empowers businesses and communities to become more water-secure.”
In 2019, Xylem launched its 2025 Sustainability Goals, including several targeting the positive impact its technology enables for its customers. Since then, Xylem solutions have enabled customers to:
Xylem achieved all four of its 2025 Customer Sustainability Goals ahead of schedule. Building on that momentum, the company has set a bold new target: enabling customers to reduce annual water demand by 2 billion cubic meters by 2030.
“We partner with our customers to advance their sustainability ambitions, creating positive impact in the communities we all serve,” said Claudia Toussaint, Chief Sustainability Officer. “This report shows how our commitment to sustainability leadership enhances Xylem’s competitiveness in the marketplace. By embedding sustainability in every aspect of our business and culture, we are empowering our customers and communities to achieve the water security essential to health and economic growth."
Xylem’s impact also extends across its value chain. In 2024, 43% of Xylem’s supplier spending supported partners aligned with WASH4Work, a global initiative focused on expanding access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
www.xylem.com
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30 July 20252 min readAdvanced Technologies Enable Reuse Of 18.1 Billion Cubic Meters Of Water
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30 July 2025
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Ofwat Confirms Business-As-Usual For £600 Million Innovation Fund ActivitiesOfwat has published the statement clarifying the position following the publication last week of the Cunliffe report which recommended that Ofwat should be abolished and replaced by a new single integrated regulator.
The UK government has confirmed that it supports the recommendation to establish a new water regulator in England that will bring together Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the water functions of the Environment Agency and Natural England.
The Independent Water Commission has also recommended changes to the regulatory arrangements in Wales for the Welsh Government to consider.
The government will publish a white paper in the autumn and bring forward legislation in 2026. The government has also confirmed that Ofwat will remain in place and continue to operate during the transition to the new regulator.
The government is not revisiting the 2024 price review funding decisions including the £600 million Innovation Fund. Ofwat commented:
“We will therefore continue delivering our business-as-usual activities, including the Innovation Fund. The sixth Water Breakthrough Challenge will open on 8 September 2025 as planned.”
Last month the £600 million Ofwat Innovation Fund published its latest learning report, From source to sea: harnessing nature and communities for whole catchment innovation, highlighting nature’s role in solving water sector challenges.
Last month Ofwat also separately awarded an £18.4 million contract for Innovation Fund AMP8 delivery partners to support it in delivering the Innovation Fund and aspects of the Water Efficiency Fund during the AMP 8 investment period running from April 2025 to March 2030.
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28 July 20252 min readOfwat Confirms Business-As-Usual For £600 Million Innovation Fund Activities
Water Briefing
28 July 2025
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Northumbrian Water Completes Multi-Million Pound Investment In Rural Sewage Treatment Works SiteNorthumbrian Water’s £5.3 million project at the site in Allendale, Northumberland, adds protection to the River East Allen and watercourses downstream, as well as enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the treatment services it provides.
The investment has seen the replacement of elements of the plant on the company’s site, enabling it to continue to meet the demands of local population growth and of climate change.
The work has been carried out by the water company’s partner, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB).
Jonathan Shaw, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said:
“This important investment helps us to tackle the twin challenges of population growth and increased rainfall from climate change, both of which create additional combined rainwater and sewage to enter the site.
“We are happy to say the upgrades to the site have been completed, and we would like to thank those customers who live close to the site, and who will have seen and heard additional work at Allendale Sewage Treatment Works over the past 12 months.”
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24 July 20251 min readNorthumbrian Water Completes Multi-Million Pound Investment In Rural Sewage Treatment Works Site
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24 July 2025
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Veolia Saves 108 Million M³ Of Water And Cuts 2.8 Million Tonnes Of Co₂...Veolia reported significant environmental gains across Asia in 2024, conserving 108 million m³ of freshwater through water reuse, desalination, and leakage reduction efforts. The volume saved is equivalent to supplying the daily water needs of over two million people for a year. In addition to water conservation, the company helped reduce more than 2.8 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions (Scope 4) for municipal and industrial clients.
These results support national environmental agendas such as China’s Dual Carbon Goal, South Korea’s Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth strategy, and Singapore’s Green Plan 2030. The outcomes are part of Veolia’s GreenUp strategic programme, launched in 2024, which aims to deploy environmental solutions at scale, foster innovation, reduce emissions, and regenerate natural resources.
Selected impacts from GreenUp in Asia include:
“Ecological transformation is our responsibility,” said Christophe Maquet, Veolia senior executive vice-president, Asia Pacific. “We work to shift production and consumption patterns so economic growth aligns with environmental goals. With 30 years in Asia and operations in 50 countries, we help cities and industries cut emissions, preserve resources, and build resilience.”
He added, “Our 2024 results reflect strong local partnerships and a clear focus on impact, guided by our GreenUp strategy. Looking ahead, we strive to continue advancing innovation, strengthening collaboration, and driving sustainable progress in the region.”
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22 July 20252 min readVeolia Saves 108 Million M³ Of Water And Cuts 2.8 Million Tonnes Of Co₂...
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22 July 2025
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Affinity Water Starts Market Engagement For £510M Grand Union Canal Transfer SchemeAffinity Water and Severn Trent Water have taken a significant steps forward in the development of the Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme, a major new project aimed at bolstering water supply from the Midlands to Southeast England.
Affinity Water is engaging on delivery of the Grand Union Transfer itself, while Severn Trent is seeking feedback on plans for the Minworth Advanced Water Treatment Plant, which is associated with the scheme.
Grand Union engagement
Affinity Water has issued a preliminary market engagement notice, signalling the start of an early market consultation for this nationally significant infrastructure initiative, anticipated to be worth approximately £425M excluding VAT (£510M with VAT).
The Grand Union Canal Transfer is a collaborative effort involving Affinity Water, Severn Trent Water and the Canal & River Trust, the charity responsible for the upkeep of the canal network across England and Wales. The project seeks to leverage the existing canal infrastructure alongside new water treatment works, pumping stations, transfer pipelines and environmental mitigation measures to provide a more sustainable and reliable water supply. It also aims to reduce reliance on current sources, including vulnerable chalk stream habitats, while ensuring continued water availability for canal navigation.
The solution’s deployable output will be 50Ml/d by 2031/32, with the potential for a further 50 Ml/d by 2040-2050 if required. Flow will be transferred from Severn Trent’s new Advanced Water Treatment Plant at Minworth via a new pipeline over approximately 20km to a discharge point into the Coventry Canal. For much of its length, the transfer will flow along the existing canal network using gravity, making use of pumping stations and by-passes as necessary. The water will then be abstracted at Leighton Buzzard for treatment.
Diagram of Grand Union Canal Transfer
The Grand Union Canal Transfer, designated a project of national significance, will be delivered through Ofwat’s Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) programme, which aims to introduce competitive delivery models for water infrastructure.
Affinity Water plans to appoint a Competitively Appointed Provider (Cap) through a Design-Build-Finance (DBF), Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) or Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) model, or variations thereof. The chosen Cap will be entrusted with the design, construction and financing of the scheme, with potential responsibilities for long-term operation and maintenance under a contract projected to run from 30 September 2028 until 30 June 2057.
The issuance of the market engagement notice is a request for information, seeking to draw on expertise from infrastructure investors, construction and engineering firms, operations and maintenance specialists, as well as joint ventures or consortia. Affinity Water’s goal is to gauge market capability, understand potential delivery models and associated risks, and identify innovations that could enhance project outcomes. The feedback will be used to inform the procurement strategy and refine the commercial, technical, and delivery framework.
Key considerations outlined in the consultation include technical feasibility, financial structuring, operational requirements, risk allocation, environmental and regulatory factors, and any potential barriers to market entry. Affinity Water emphasises an open, fair and transparent competitive process, aiming to secure a value-oriented solution consistent with the long-term national objectives for water resilience.
The Grand Union Canal Transfer project represents a critical infrastructure advancement, responding to growing water demand pressures in the Southeast while emphasising environmental stewardship. It highlights an innovative approach that integrates traditional waterway assets with modern engineering and financing practices to foster sustainability and resilience in the UK’s water sector.
As this early stage of the scheme’s development, stakeholders and market participants will have the opportunity to contribute insights that shape a transformative water transfer scheme intended to serve millions and protect vital natural habitats for decades to come.
Severn Trent’s Minworth SRO
Severn Trent has also engaged the market on development of its Minworth strategic resource option (SRO), which could tie into the Grand Union Canal Transfer.
The Minworth SRO will encompass the construction of an Advanced Water Treatment Plant on Severn Trent’s existing Minworth site and transfer via an underground pipeline to an outfall into the Coventry Canal at Atherstone.
The utility company is engaging the market on a £200M contract to construct the SRO.
The estimate contract dates for delivery are 1 December 2028 to 1 December 2030.
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16 July 20254 min readAffinity Water Starts Market Engagement For £510M Grand Union Canal Transfer Scheme
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16 July 2025
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Loveland, Colo., Issues Bonds For $122.5 Million Utility Infrastructure Overhaul(UI) — The City of Loveland is moving forward with a $122.5 million plan to upgrade its aging water, wastewater and electric infrastructure, funded through new tax-exempt bonds approved this year.
City officials said the multi-year infrastructure improvements are designed to ensure long-term reliability and resilience for Loveland’s utilities, while distributing the cost between current and future users.
By locking in fixed-interest financing, the city expects to avoid future inflationary spikes and reduce the risk of costly emergency repairs.
Water system upgrades
Loveland will invest $45 million to replace aging underground water mains, eliminate lead service lines, and modernize water operations facilities. The city said these updates are critical to maintaining the quality and reliability of local water service while reducing the risk of leaks and corrosion.
Wastewater improvements
The city plans to invest $77.5 million over multiple bonds from 2025 through 2027 to upgrade its Water Reclamation Facility. The work includes replacing aging equipment, expanding treatment capacity to accommodate population growth, and meeting new federal and state discharge standards to protect the Big Thompson River.
Electric grid modernization
Future bond funding will support Loveland’s electric infrastructure upgrades, including a new substation, system capacity improvements with additional transformers, and the conversion of overhead power lines to underground systems. The city says these projects will help protect the grid from weather-related disruptions and improve overall service reliability.
“These investments are critical to Loveland’s long-term resilience,” the city said in a statement. “Through secure, sustainable and reliable utility systems, we’re building a foundation for future generations.”
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14 July 20252 min readLoveland, Colo., Issues Bonds For $122.5 Million Utility Infrastructure Overhaul
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14 July 2025
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Judge Approves Construction For Key Portion Of $485 Million Pipeline In Larimer County, Colo.A state judge in Larimer County, Colorado, has ruled in favor of the City of Thornton and the Larimer County Commissioner's court in response to a lawsuit filed by the Save the Poudre nonprofit, which sought to halt the construction of the pipeline, citing environmental concerns.
According to The Colorado Sun, members of the nonprofit have advocated for several years for the pipeline's water source to be redirected through the Cache la Poudre River to enhance river flow.
Save the Poudre leader Gary Wockner stated that the group is considering an appeal. Wockner has previously challenged permits for multiple water diversion projects in Colorado.
City of Thornton officials expressed relief of the recent ruling and confirmed that it will proceed with the construction of its $485 million pipeline project in the Larimer County area, The Colorado Sun reported. The project will transport water rights acquired by Thornton on the Cache la Poudre River to treatment facilities in Adams County.
Roughly one-third, or around 21 miles, of the overall pipeline are now complete, said sources. Thornton stated that the water project is expected to begin supplying water to residents by 2028.
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09 July 20251 min readJudge Approves Construction For Key Portion Of $485 Million Pipeline In Larimer County, Colo.
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09 July 2025
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Texas Approves $20 Billion For Water Infrastructure; Final Decision Up To Voters(UI) — A sweeping legislative package aimed at revitalizing Texas' aging water infrastructure and preparing for future shortages was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 18, according to KPRC 2.
The move includes Senate Bill 7 and House Joint Resolution 7—two key measures that together could channel more than $20 billion into water system upgrades across the state.
The newly signed law allocates $2.5 billion in immediate funding to the Texas Water Fund, which will be used to repair leaky pipes, modernize aging treatment facilities, and explore new water sources. A long-term funding proposal under HJR 7 would contribute $1 billion annually for the next two decades, pending voter approval on the November ballot.
Governor Abbott called the initiative a “generational investment,” citing firsthand experience with the dangers of water shortages. “With this law, we will secure Texas’ water future for generations to come,” he said during the bill signing ceremony in Lubbock.
As KPRC 2 reports, questions remain about how the funds will be distributed, and how quickly cities like Houston and Harris County may begin to benefit from the investment.
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04 July 20251 min readTexas Approves $20 Billion For Water Infrastructure; Final Decision Up To Voters
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04 July 2025
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Washington County, Utah Proposes $1.3 Billion Water Reuse ProjectUtah’s Washington County Water Conservation District has proposed a $1.3 billion water reuse project to aid the state’s rapid growth, Fox 13 News reported.
Last week, members of the district requested approval for $195 million in initial funding from the Utah Water Resources Board. The project is planned to be carried out in phases, with completion projected by 2042.
Fox 13 News said in its report that the ultimate project goal is to have as much as 25% of Washington County’s water supply reused.
The proposed water reuse project will involve constructing more than 60 miles of pipeline, three new storage reservoirs, and deploying new wastewater treatment technology.
By 2030, the water district plans to complete phase one of the project (about $413 million in cost) and target agriculture, the state's top water user.
The project's second phase will involve reusing water for drinking water sources; phase two is expected to be completed by 2042. Water reuse is relied upon heavily in many communities across the country, including Las Vegas and Los Angeles. In the St. George area, some parks, golf courses and even newer developments are recycling their water, Fox 13 stated.
The Washington County Water Conservancy District is getting federal grants, loans and other funding sources to make the $1.3 billion project a reality. In last week's meeting, the district acknowledged the possibility of a rate increase to help cover costs (though Washington County does have an aggressive tiered rate system for water users that other communities are starting to copy to force more conservation).
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01 July 20252 min readWashington County, Utah Proposes $1.3 Billion Water Reuse Project
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01 July 2025
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