Scottsdale to Decide Future of Wastewater Recycling Plan
The November 3 election will influence the city's utility strategy and how businesses approach long-term water supply planning.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Would you support a local plan to turn recycled wastewater into drinking water?
Scottsdale voters head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide the future of the city's proposed wastewater recycling program. The election for two City Council seats pits opposing views on the purification and reuse of treated water as a long-term utility strategy.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine the city's approach to securing reliable water supplies as flows from the Colorado River continue to dwindle. Operators in Scottsdale must monitor this shift as it dictates long-term infrastructure investment and potential changes to municipal utility planning.
Two seats are up for election on the Scottsdale City Council, which will decide the city's stance on a wastewater recycling program. The current proposal seeks to address water cuts from the Colorado River, though the program's final infrastructure scale remains undefined.
The players
Michelle Ugenti-Rita
Candidate for Scottsdale City Council who opposes the proposed wastewater recycling program.
Barry Graham
Candidate for Scottsdale City Council who opposes the proposed wastewater recycling program.
Raoul Zubia
Candidate for Scottsdale City Council who supports the proposed wastewater recycling program.
The details
The proposed program centers on advanced treatment technology designed to purify wastewater for direct distribution to residential taps. Council candidates hold diverging views on whether this method is the necessary solution for mitigating Colorado River supply cuts. Business operators should assess how a potential shift in water procurement and municipal management could influence long-term operational costs and utility reliability within the city.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Scottsdale city elections take place.
Market Landscape
This election follows a pattern set by tightening Colorado River water allocation agreements that force municipalities to pursue alternative supply strategies. Local water policy shifts represent a move toward reclaimed water infrastructure as a primary utility response to chronic regional drought.
Owners should monitor the election results for signals on whether the city will prioritize long-term wastewater recycling over traditional procurement methods. The outcome will influence the legislative climate for municipal utility projects and potentially impact future water service stability for local businesses.
The takeaway
The election serves as a bellwether for how Scottsdale intends to manage its finite water resources amid persistent drought conditions. Business owners should track the final vote count to anticipate whether municipal utility plans shift toward recycled water infrastructure in the next fiscal year.
Further reading
For broader context on how local infrastructure changes impact regional operations, see the Utilities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
Live Poll
Would you support a local plan to turn recycled wastewater into drinking water?
