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Washington County Water Conservancy District

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    Regional Reuse Purification System

    Clean and Reliable Water for Washington County

    Producing a Local, Reliable, Drought-proof Water Source

    The Regional Reuse Purification System (system) is a project developed by the Washington County Water Conservancy District (district) and its program partners, St. George City and Ash Creek Special Service District, to produce a local, reliable, drought-proof water source that can meet our water needs now and in the future. Through new infrastructure investments, the system will produce more than 20,000 acre feet of water per year by 2046, enough water to serve about 40,000 homes.

    About the Project

    Washington County communities rely on limited water sources from the Virgin River Basin, which is vulnerable to drought. Our region’s growing population and economy demonstrate a need for reliable and locally controlled water sources. Our regional municipalities produce about 12,600 acre feet of valuable wastewater each year that can be reclaimed for beneficial use and this amount will continue to increase as the community grows.

    The system will use a new and existing water infrastructure network to purify, store and deliver water throughout Washington County.

    Water reclamation facilities

    will remove and eliminate contaminants prior to reuse or advanced purification.

    Advanced Water Purification (AWP) facility

    will purify reclaimed water, removing impurities and contaminants to make it safe for drinking.

    New reservoirs

    will be constructed to store reuse water; 2 existing reservoirs (Quail Creek and Sand Hollow) will store water from the AWP facility.

    Miles of pipeline

    will convey water throughout the system and deliver reuse water to municipalities.

    Multiple pump stations

    will be used to pump water flows from lower to higher elevations, allowing continuous and cost-effective delivery of water.

    How Advanced Water Purification Works

    Advanced Water Purification (AWP) is a significant feature of the system. AWP includes a combination of proven technologies that safely and efficiently purify reclaimed water — the water produced is so clean it meets or exceeds federal and state drinking water requirements. This water will be sent to storage reservoirs for drinking water. 

    Project Benefits

    What is the Regional Reuse Purification System?

    The Regional Reuse Purification System (system) is a critical part of creating a local, reliable and drought-proof water source for Washington County. The system is a planned water infrastructure network comprised of reclamation facilities, advanced water purification technology, conveyance pipelines and storage reservoirs. The system will transform the region’s water cycle by capturing, purifying and reusing the region’s wastewater supply.

    The system is a key pillar of One Water Washington County, which aims to identify and secure additional, drought-proof and locally controlled water supplies that can meet the region’s needs now and in the future. The system will help augment potable water supplies by purifying more reclaimed water from municipalities and sending it to homes and businesses for other uses.

    Nearly 12,600 acre-feet of reclaimed water is currently available throughout the region and this amount will continue to increase as the community grows. Several large infrastructure projects will be required to use this available water supply. Washington County needs the system to optimize the use of all existing water supplies and create new local water resources for residents, businesses and agricultural users.

    Washington County will benefit from the system by receiving high-quality water that is resilient to extended periods of drought and can support a growing population. Additionally, a reliable water supply supports economic prosperity and quality of life.

    The system will use a network of water infrastructure to purify, store and deliver water throughout Washington County.

    • Three new or expanded water reclamation facilities will remove and eliminate contaminants prior to reuse or advanced purification.
    • An Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Facility will purify reclaimed water, removing impurities and contaminants to make it safe for drinking.
    • Four new reservoirs will be constructed to collect and store water for irrigation; Two existing reservoirs will be used to store water from the AWP facility.
    • 60 miles of pipeline will convey water throughout the system and deliver reuse water to customers.
    • Multiple pump stations will be used to pump water flows from lower to higher elevations, allowing continuous and cost-effective delivery of water.

    Advanced Water Purification (AWP) is a critical component of the system that is a proven and reliable purification process. The technology mimics nature’s water cycle to produce high-quality drinking water that will meet or exceed emerging state and local regulations. AWP takes water that is already purified enough to be returned to the environment and transforms it into a safe drinking water supply.

    As part of the system, the district is constructing an AWP facility to purify reclaimed water, removing impurities and contaminants to make it safe for drinking. The purified water will be blended with water in local reservoirs for storage before it is sent to a drinking water treatment plant to provide safe and reliable water to households and businesses.

    The district is working diligently to deliver this vital project to Washington County and construction has already begun on key elements. The anticipated timeline for completion of the system is about 20 to 30 years.

    Yes, water reuse and AWP projects are being implemented in more than 80 communities across the country. Click here to see the global map.

    More than $250 million in federal, state and local funding has been secured for the system. Additional funding will be pursued.

    Development of the system is a collaborative effort between the district and its program partners, St George City and Ash Creek Special Service District. The district is also working with the cities of Washington, Hurricane, Ivins, Santa Clara, La Verkin, Toquerville, and Virgin to secure a more resilient water supply for the region. You can learn more by:

    • Requesting a presentation for your organization
    • Sharing wcwcd.gov/reuse with your friends and colleagues

    Informational Materials

    News, Events, and Milestones

    Check here regularly for news about upcoming events and project milestones.