Phoenix, AZ – Arizona environmental officials announced progress this week in cleaning up polluted soil and groundwater across the state, noting significant milestones in their latest Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund (WQARF) report.
According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), 37 of the state’s most contaminated sites are currently under remediation. The agency reported that 12.4 billion gallons of contaminated groundwater were treated and nearly 1 million pounds of harmful metals and waste were removed in the past year.
The WQARF program, created to address pollution that threatens drinking water, continues to work closely with communities and other partners to ensure aquifers remain a safe source of water. Arizona law designates aquifers as protected drinking water sources, adding an extra layer of oversight to ongoing cleanup projects.
State officials highlighted that remediation work spans multiple phases, from initial investigations to long-term monitoring. ADEQ emphasized its role in coordinating with local governments, contractors, and emergency response units to ensure that cleanup efforts remain both effective and transparent.
The FY25 report also noted progress in cross-program remediation actions, which include partnerships between federal and state agencies. Recent projects ranged from removing hazardous materials in Phoenix industrial areas to groundwater treatment initiatives in Tucson.
ADEQ stated that continued investment in WQARF ensures that future generations will have reliable access to clean water. The program is funded through state resources and relies on community cooperation to identify and prioritize the most urgent contamination sites.
Residents can review the full FY25 WQARF report online to see project highlights, financial breakdowns, and site-specific remediation updates.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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