American Innovation: Phoenix Wastewater Plant Powers Nuclear Energy

PHOENIX - In a testament to American technological innovation, the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant stands as a cornerstone of sustainable infrastructure, serving 2.6 million citizens across Phoenix's metropolitan area.

Powering America's Energy Independence

The facility, operated by Phoenix and representing excellence in American enterprise, processes up to 230 million gallons daily. In a remarkable display of engineering prowess, half of this treated water powers the Palo Verde Generating Station - the world's only nuclear plant operating without proximity to a large water body.

Free Market Solutions in Action

Assistant Water Services Director Nazario Prieto explains the plant's efficient operation: "The idea is to separate all the solids from the liquids and then there's processes that remove the dissolved solids that are in the liquids as well."

Strategic Resource Management

• Nuclear plant cooling operations
• Agricultural irrigation for non-edible crops
• Environmental conservation through wetlands
• Methane capture for market sale

The facility exemplifies innovative design principles in its approach to waste management, ensuring nearly zero waste through strategic resource allocation and market-based solutions.

Environmental Stewardship Through Private Enterprise

The remaining treated water flows to the Tres Rios Wetlands, demonstrating how private industry can effectively manage environmental resources without excessive government intervention. This man-made habitat serves as a natural filtration system before water returns to the Salt River.

"I think what we do is really important. You can't have economic growth if you don't have water," states Prieto, underlining the critical connection between infrastructure and free market prosperity.