Drive around Tucson with your windows down long enough and you'll be sure to smell a few stenches. Chances are, at least one the unpleasant aromas you encountered is raw sewage slowly dribbling its way to one of several Tucson sewage treatment plants. Once there, the water is treated through several purification processes then piped out for use. Presently, the most common use for reclaimed water is for irrigating parks, schools and golf courses.
The city is steadily growing while water supplies are evaporating. In the future reclaimed, or effluent water, will be a hot topic for voters. The decision will be whether or not to allow the water to be piped to our taps. According to the Tucson Water's Long Range Water Plan: 2000 - 2050, "Effluent, treated wastewater, is the only water resource we have that increases as population increases."
Most people cringe at the thought of drinking water that someone had previously showered in. More importantly, remember that smell? Well, effluent water is that smell's prettier cousin. Furthermore, Tucson Water states that while our cleaner water supplies diminish "[effluent] is the one water resource we have that is always increasing".
More effluent means more minerals into our water unless costly treatment facilities are built. As well, getting effluent water to citizens for potable use is itself a daunting task. The future of water in the southwest is a complicated issue, one in which voters should be engaged in. It is a issue that effects us all. The desert region is in a constant drought. Water conservation is the responsibility of every individual and is the key to securing a secure future.
Links:
Tucson Water's Annual Quality Report 2006
Tucson Weekly's From the Toilet to your Tap
Water for Tucson's Future: Long Range Water Plan 2000 - 2050
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