Arizona’s $1mn PFAS Plan Tests Regional Model

Arizona has completed four water system interconnection projects aimed at removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking supplies, positioning the state ahead of new federal deadlines.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality said the projects, costing about $1.07mn, connect smaller systems in the City of Globe and the Town of Star Valley to larger municipal networks that already comply with federal standards. The work forms part of a broader $5mn state fund to support PFAS mitigation.

The initiative comes as utilities across the US prepare for regulations finalised by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2024. The rule sets enforceable limits for six PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, requires testing by 2027 and mandates full compliance by 2029.

Rather than building new treatment plants, Arizona opted to consolidate systems. By linking smaller providers to established regional utilities, the state avoided the cost and operational demands of advanced filtration technologies, such as granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis systems.

State officials have presented the approach as a way to protect public health while limiting financial pressure on small communities. Smaller systems often face higher per-customer costs when installing and maintaining specialised treatment equipment.

The strategy also reflects a broader debate within the water sector. Utilities must decide whether to construct standalone treatment facilities or pursue regional partnerships that spread capital and operating costs across a larger customer base. For rural or resource-constrained areas, interconnection can offer a faster route to compliance.

However, consolidation is not without challenges. Distance between systems, existing infrastructure gaps and governance arrangements can complicate integration. Larger utilities must also ensure they have sufficient capacity to absorb additional demand without affecting reliability or water quality.

With federal testing and compliance deadlines approaching, other states may examine similar regional models. Arizona’s experience suggests that, in some cases, meeting PFAS standards may depend less on new construction and more on system integration and targeted infrastructure upgrades.