Aquifer Storage and Recovery Wells
Project Information
Scottsdale is constructing four Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Wells at strategic locations throughout the city as part of its commitment to maximizing renewable surface water supplies and minimizing the use of groundwater. This will ensure long-term water supply sustainability by recharging high quality, potable water directly into the aquifer when water demand is low (late fall and winter months) and retain the capability to withdraw groundwater during high demand or emergencies.
Each site will consist of two phases: drilling and testing, followed by equipping and site improvement.
Phase 1: Drilling and Testing
The drilling and testing phase will require a drilling rig with a 40-foot tall mast, equipment trucks, mud pumping-equipment, diesel generator, forklift and other smaller equipment. The photos below illustrate a typical drilling operation.
The contractor will start by delivering equipment and constructing 24-foot sound-wall panels around the perimeter of the project to assist with noise and light abatement to residents - some noise and light will still be experienced. Drilling commences once the sound-wall is established and will occur on a 24-hour basis in order to prevent a collapse in the well. This phase can last up to 16 weeks.
Phase 2: Equipping and Site Improvement
The second phase will include finishing each site with ancillary equipment, associated piping connections and other site improvements. This phase will not require 24-hour operations but will require significant construction activity during daytime hours. Phase 2 will begin up to one year after drilling.
ASR Well 160 & 161 water line connection
As part of the AS&R Wells project to connect ASR Well 160 & ASR Well 161 to Scottsdale Water's treatment facility, construction of a new water main will take place. This part of the project will extend from E. Bell Road, north onto N. 82nd St. and then travel east and west along E. Mayo Blvd.
This part of the project includes utility potholing, pavement milling, trench excavation, and installation of a new water pipeline. A series of fiber optic cables will also be installed in conjunction with the water line. All disturbed pavement will be replaced and re-striped.
The pipeline and fiber optic cables will span from future ASR Well 161 (located at the Scottsdale Sports Complex) to the city of Scottsdale's Water Campus. There will be additional 16-inch waterline installed on Mayo Blvd. from Hayden Road to 82nd St. in order to tie into Well 160 (at the Fire Station) which could begin as early as Fall 2023.
Water Line Sections
Sections of the project are divided as shown on the map below. Timelines are subject to change.
- Section 1: April and August 2023
- The April construction phase is complete. August will consist of Mayo Blvd. being closed in both directions from N Hayden Road to N Perimeter Drive.
- Section 2: April 24 - June 30, 2023
- Lane restrictions will apply during different periods. Access to Stonebrook will be always available at all times, either at E Theresa Drive or E Michelle Drive. Access from Mayo Blvd will be open.
- Section 3: May 22 - Aug. 18, 2023
- Lane restrictions may apply but no closures expected.
Project Timelines
| Location | Phase 1 | Phase 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Well 54C | Complete | 2022 - December 2023 |
| Well 159 | Complete | Summer 2023 - Early 2025 |
| Well 160 | September 2022 - May 2023 | Late 2023 - Late 2025 |
| Well 161 | Complete | Late 2023 - Early 2025 |
All project timelines are subject to change
Plant and Landscape Preservation
Construction and well drilling will require the relocation of several native trees and shrubs at the well sites. Scottsdale contracted with a third party to identify salvageable native plants and is working with a landscape contractor to box, store and replant.
Noise Mitigation
While 24-hour drilling will be necessary for the first several months of construction, Scottsdale is committed to minimizing noise impacts to the neighborhood. Temporary sound walls will be placed at the construction sites. Walls will be constructed of vinyl-coated polyester material with 1-inch quilted fiberglass filling. The eight-foot panels will be stacked three high for a total wall height of 24 feet. The city conducted a baseline noise survey and will continue to monitor noise levels throughout the construction project.
Frequently Asked Questions
An ASR Well is an Aquifer Storage & Recovery Well that is designed to be better utilize Scottsdale's water supply. The well will deposit water into Scottsdale's underground aquifer in times of water supply surplus. It will extract water from the aquifer when supplemental water is needed to meet the city's demand.
The location of Well 159 was based on several factors. The land and site were available for purchase through Arizona State Land Development. Research showed this area would likely produce a successful well which turned out to be validated.
Scottsdale is constructing four Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Wells at strategic locations throughout the city. This is part of Scottsdale's commitment to maximizing renewable surface water supplies and minimizing the use of groundwater. This will also ensure long-term water supply sustainability by recharging high quality, potable water directly into the aquifer when water demand is low (late fall and winter months) and retain the capability to withdraw groundwater during high demand or emergencies.
The wall will be constructed 360° around the perimeter and extend up to 10 feet high. The walls will use native colors to match the surrounding facilities.
Exterior and interior landscape surrounding the wall will consist of native, desert-adapted plants.
The facility will adorn low-level security lighting during non-daylight hours. No excessive lighting will be used at the facility.
There will be no public access at this facility. The property will have a security gate and only be accessed by approved city workers.
Construction will include normal construction noises during daylight hours.
Once construction is complete, residents will not experience any sound from this system other than normal business processes.
No. The paved walking path adjacent to this site will remain untouched and still be accessible to the public.
Once built, the facility will require minimal staffing and activity. The site will not house any offices or act as a home-base for any employees. The site will be inspected, checked and maintained by a minimal number of City workers on a regular basis.
Project Information
Sponsoring Division: Water
Project Location:
Site 1, Well 54C: NE corner of Miller Rd. and Deer Valley Rd..
Site 2, Well 159: Legacy Blvd, east of N Scottsdale Rd.
Site 3, Well 160: NE corner of Hayden Rd. and Mayo Blvd.
Site 4, Well 161: NE corner of Bell Rd. and Hayden Rd.
Additional information about Scottsdale Water’s groundwater recharge efforts
Commitment to safe yield
Scottsdale is located within the Phoenix Active Management Area, which is a determination created by the 1980 Groundwater Management Act. The GMA established safe yield – where groundwater replenishment equals groundwater pumped – as a goal to be reached in the Phoenix AMA by 2025. Scottsdale was the first city in Arizona to reach safe yield and did so in 2006, nearly 20 years before the mandated attainment date.
Ultrapure recycled water recharge
Water Campus has been performing indirect potable reuse – recharging ultrapure water into the drinking water aquifer – for over 20 years. Scottsdale recharges over 1.7 billion gallons of purified recycled water to replenish our drinking water annually. More information about Scottsdale’s role as a global leader in water reuse is available on our Recycled Water webpage.