Scottsdale to convert well to expand drinking water supply
Scottsdale Water is preparing to begin construction to convert the existing PG-41 groundwater monitoring well along Cattletrack Road into a production well that will become part of Scottsdale’s drinking water system.
PG-41 is located within an area associated with the North Indian Bend Wash Superfund site. The project is being funded by potentially responsible parties associated with the Superfund site; the city of Scottsdale is not responsible for the project’s construction costs.
Once the conversion is complete, water pumped from the PG-41well will first be treated at the nearby North Indian Bend Wash Granular Activated Carbon Treatment Facility, where granular activated carbon is used to remove contaminants. The treated water will then be conveyed to the Chaparral Water Treatment Facility, where it will be blended with other water sources before entering Scottsdale’s drinking water distribution system.
“Converting PG-41 to a production well provides Scottsdale with another tool to manage our water resources while supporting the ongoing environmental work associated with the North Indian Bend Wash Superfund Site,” said Thyra Ryden-Diaz, interim senior director for Scottsdale Water. “This project adds flexibility to our water supply and provides an additional way to manage groundwater in the area.”
The PG-41 conversion is one of six groundwater well projects Scottsdale Water is currently refurbishing, converting or developing as part of its efforts to strengthen and diversify the city’s water supply. Collectively, these projects will expand the city’s ability to access and manage groundwater resources, providing additional flexibility and resiliency as Scottsdale plans for long-term water demands and changing conditions on the Colorado River.
The PG-41 conversion also supports the goals of Scottsdale Water’s 2025–2030 Water Strategic Plan by expanding the city’s system-wide groundwater recovery capabilities. The project is also part of the emerging water solutions spoke of Scottsdale’s five-spoke approach to reducing dependence on the Colorado River. By expanding access to local groundwater resources, PG-41 will help strengthen the city’s diversified water portfolio and provide additional flexibility in managing long-term water supplies.
Operating PG-41 will also provide an additional means of controlling groundwater movement associated with contamination from the Superfund site, helping protect other groundwater wells in the area.
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in early November 2026, with preliminary site activity beginning in mid-October. Initial activity will not involve HOA property, and the city is working with the nearby HOA to keep residents informed of the project. Construction is expected to take approximately three to six months. Residents near the project may see construction equipment and workers and experience periodic construction-related noise.
