Commission seeks reclaimed-water updates; members note emerging standards and a reuse conference

Commissioners asked for an update on the city's reclaimed-water investigations and flagged emerging standards and outside resources that could inform local planning. Commissioners recalled requests from a prior meeting for objectives and best-management practices for reclaimed-water use. Staff said they have begun contacting users in the Valley to gather best practices and gallons-per-acre guidance for turf. Lee said staff will put reclaimed-water items on an upcoming agenda and that Tamara has reached out to a couple of people in the Valley to gather practices. Commissioners also discussed outreach to state agencies: at one point a commissioner suggested inviting an ADWR representative (the transcript records a correction from ADEQ to ADWR in the discussion) to speak to the commission about standards. On national standards, one commissioner noted a discussion in the National Water Reuse community about establishing standards for reclaimed water used in snowmaking; the commissioner said Colorado and others are working on those standards and suggested staff monitor that dialogue. Separately, commissioners noted the Arizona Water Reuse Conference and asked staff to check registration and whether the city would cover attendance. Lee said staff would follow up with Erin on registration and that the city has covered attendance fees for current members in the past. Discussion and next steps: Staff agreed to put reclaimed-water updates on a future agenda (anticipated August or September timeframe for parts of the reclaimed-water work) and to pursue invitations to appropriate state agency representatives for technical briefings. Commissioners asked staff to track national discussions on reclaimed-water standards for new uses such as snowmaking. Ending: Staff will provide a reclaimed-water update at a future meeting, seek technical input from state agencies as appropriate, and report back on conference registration and attendance logistics.